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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us February 9, 2005 Those behind the letters should stop hiding When Phoenix City Councilor Hal Burks abruptly resigned Monday, he said the decision was due in part to derisive, highly critical anonymous letters. These letters, mass-mailed on a weekly basis leading up to November's election, called Burks and other councilors derogatory names in an obvious smear campaign. Those who mailed these letters call themselves Citizens for Honest and Responsible City Government. That's like Donald Trump saying he is humble - nothing could be farther from the truth. What's honest about printing derogatory names or making mean-spirited personal attacks? What's responsible about making unsubstantiated allegations about public servants without having the courage or conviction to do so publicly? It is good to see the current regime of new councilors, as well as Mayor Vickie Bear, say on the record they had no knowledge of this group and do not support its tactics. In November, the Tidings endorsed this new leadership because we believed it would bring more people into the process of governing. We endorsed this council for its stated desire to help Phoenix build its economic base and develop its downtown while maintaining and controlling growth. It is hard to imagine that councilors elected largely on a platform of open and inclusive government could play any part in the cowardly, immature and unseemly attack on the previous leadership - a leadership that is owed a debt of gratitude and respect for the foundation it built for this changing city. Until proven otherwise, its important to allow this new council to work for much-needed progress in Phoenix with the support and trust of the city. It's encouraging to see Bear call out those who sent these letters as she did Monday night. She said that she has been blamed for the letters and that hurtful rumors abound. She asked that those who are responsible for the letters come forward publicly. We heartily second that motion. Nothing good comes from anonymous allegations, name-calling and hurtful comments. The city as a whole suffers and the ability of leaders to lead is neutered. Burks, who rightfully won re-election, has left the council in part because of these allegations. He has been hurt by them. Bear says she, too, has been hurt. In all of this, we wonder, who has gained? That's the real question. We want an answer - and the residents of Phoenix deserve to have one. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Women's & Men's Slippers Ceramic Piggy Banks heloc libor rate Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weightloss Products Memory Foam Mattress afsa studentloans home equity loans teleconferencing W2 Forms fasa student loans Matchmaking & Dating Scripts African Safari Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation wholesale diamonds Currancy Exchange web conferencing Online Casinos Community Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams