Letters to the Editor 12/12/2012

To the Editor:

Sisters' city elections provide registered voters living within the city limits the opportunity to elect the Sisters City Council. The recent vote represented less that 1,000 voters. Obviously that vote count does not take into consideration the majority of the populace that live, work, invest and financially support our community.

Subdivisions such as Black Butte Ranch, Tollgate, Crossroads, Aspen Lakes, Sage Meadow and others collectively comprise the preponderance of the work force, investment and shop owners contributing to the economic success of our community. These citizens are the majority and yet are ruled by the few. Someday it may be worthwhile to consider that the city change its charter to have at least one council person be selected from the community at large to represent the majority.

In the meantime the head of our city, our mayor, plays key roles that strongly affect our well-being. For one, he or she represents the city in front of state legislatures, federal agencies and other government officials. In the next two years this single function, this relationship-building/maintaining role, will have immense impact on street, utility, rodeo grounds, school and other developmental initiatives. What experience does our slate of candidates have for this important role?

Our new city council met this week to privately discuss who should be mayor and council president. A council that will not be seated for another month has already determined the outcome. This without transparency or even a willingness to consider who the community at large might view as an appropriate candidate. Those with an investment in business or property form the majority of consumers who cause the local economy to prosper. Shouldn't they along with the local electorate have the opportunity to at least share their experience and judgment in a leadership determination that will so significantly govern their future?

Peter Storton