Dear Editor:
It is not new that a mayor makes or manipulates decisions in a way that invert or subvert the definition of “democracy,” like Joel Fritzler suggested to the public in his letter to the editor on Sept. 25.
It’s not new that an elected official or person of authority manipulates rules, regulations or established protocol for his or her benefit (direct or indirect) at the expense of the public who financially supports them.
It’s not new that a number of people are aware of such actions but say little or nothing for one reason or another. It’s not new that decisions are made by elected officials even when a majority of the public voices opposition.
It’s not new that members of the public make efforts to keep decision-making in our best interest but are often ignored or trivialized.
Cutbacks may force changes and certainly require creativity, but that really doesn’t seem to be the issue here. We don’t know how to change all that, so it’s refreshing to know Fritzler’s efforts to encourage honesty and transparency about how local taxpayer and public monies are spent. That’s why we voted for him. If Fritzler’s questions are somehow self-serving we’re sure everyone will hear about it. But the fact that he questions is not up for debate. That’s part of his responsibility.
Either his questions have legitimate answers or not. Thank you, Joel.
Eunice Buck and Gerard Archibald
Carbondale residents
