Letters to the editor

As published June 1, 2011

The time to play politics is over

Many things in this world spin: a child’s top; a pinwheel; tires on a vehicle. But, perhaps, the best example of spin I found this week, is Bruce Curley’s spin on the position of Councilwoman Wendi Peters and myself in regard to Mt. Airy’s Emergency Operations Plan.

First, let me make it abundantly clear to Mr. Curley that Ms. Peters and I 100% support an Emergency Operations Plan that will fit our town and the surrounding community.

What I did not support was the vagueness in the language of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) presented by the mayor. Mr. Curley points out that this is a “legal document” created and signed in advance between local government and service providers. While he is correct that it is an agreement, nothing binds the town to use those service providers, so the legal enforceability may not necessarily exist.

The mayor presented the MOU commenting that it was important so "local businesses" could not "gouge us" in a time of emergency. Ms. Peters commented that she found it disconcerting that the mayor often speaks of "small town charm" but felt the need to present a document to keep our local businesses from "gouging" us in a time of emergency. Ms. Peters gave examples of local businesses supporting those in need in times of emergency.

Ms. Peters merely voiced a concern. I do not find this unreasonable.

While, yes, it is true, if the town faces a devastating man-made or natural disaster, using local businesses might not be a likely option; but, I believe if possible we should attempt to patronize local businesses first, not only for economical reasons, but also because their services are right here in our community.

Thirdly, Mr. Curley writes that I continually objected to helping anybody outside of town. That is a blatant falsehood.

What I objected to was the wording in the MOU that did not define (a) exactly where we would be providing help outside of town and (b) if we provided help outside of town, who would pay the bill?

I could not in good conscious support something that places any additional burdens upon our taxpayers to pay for services for individuals who do not live in our town. I required clarification of these two issues and never objected to providing services to people outside of town. In fact, the mayor agreed with my analysis and praised me for my concern.

Mr. Curley’s spin is unbelievable and clearly contrived to misrepresent what I stated. Bruce, please get your facts straight and stop spinning this issue. We need unity in our town amongst the elected officials and the community, misrepresenting statements does more harm than good.

The time to play politics is over and focus on working together for the greater good of our community.