Dear Editor:
I am sending you a copy of my email which I sent in response to the minutes which were emailed to me from the(what was to be) last meeting of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Community Enhancement, of which I was a member prior to its dissolution. I have read with interest articles from both the News and Sedona Biz. It is a shame that the News cannot see the broad picture – here is my email:
Dated – February 18th:
Unfortunately, I was not able to be present at last night’s session.
However, I was present at the previous session. I am shocked, dismayed and angry. I have taken on many, many voluntary positions in my life and always received an incredible amount of appreciation and gratitude. This is the first time I have been “sacked” from a voluntary job. It feels much the same as being slapped in the face, and being told that my efforts were neither appreciated nor necessary.
In the present day economy, it is hard to figure out why any government group would spurn the voluntary efforts of the citizens it represents. It would be hard to understand at any time. Our committees should have been welcomed with open arms – wow, what a great way to encourage the local populace to take part in local affairs, and to take some of the burden off the shoulders of city staff! Instead, we are told we are not wanted, that we cost the council too much money, and our work duplicates the work of other paid staffers. From what I have heard, that is far from the truth. I thought this was a representative government – that councilors were elected to represent the citizens of our town. I guess I am wrong. It seems most of our councilors have their own personal agendas, and look at citizen participation with contempt and suspicion. How sad. Well, I will continue to do what I can do to protect the beauty and uniqueness of this beautiful town.
I am sorry you do not value the opinions of the people who live here.
Angela LeFevre
