Failure of leadership leads to the dumps in Sedro-Woolley
June 04, 2008 - 12:27 PM
by Contributed
by Contributed
Vision — What kind of vision of this city would include a garbage facility a few feet from a historic downtown and historic neighborhoods? Economic development that enhances and capitalizes on our proud timber heritage and enhances the quaint downtown area and historical areas would make complete sense. It’s like Sedro-Woolley has a huge self esteem problem and is on the verge of committing suicide — with the aid of city officials.
Communication — Whatever happened to public forums? Other cities do them. Deluxe looked at many other sites around the county before zeroing in on Sedro-Woolley. Oh, but I forgot, the city didn’t want to hear from us because they knew that there would be huge opposition — as has been proven.
Integrity — I have been appalled by the lack of integrity of the city officials. There have been last minute actions taken that have foiled the citizenry at every turn. Grey areas have been hard line interpreted to the benefit of Deluxe. Case in point: the conditional use permit issue is a black and white issue that was interpreted as grey, for the benefit of Deluxe. The conditional use permit issue should be given to the planning commission to decide.
The city has done underhanded and slimy things. Private citizens have been forced to produce huge amounts of money and time in order to even try to register their complaints.
I am heartbroken and very angry. There are many, just like me, that grew up here and loved our childhood in a town that was quintessential small town America. This town had a sense of identity and I am proud of this heritage. And I will fight to have that preserved. But the fight needs to be fair — not with an administration that has no scruples or principles, and is against the majority of city residents and what is best for our future.
Shelley Burgett
Sedro-Woolley
