To the editor:

Being a member of any city council is often a thankless job. Council members are, for the most part, unpaid concerned community residents with little or no experience in city government. They often have to make difficult decisions that affect their communities. These decisions may involve issues in which the council members do not have expertise. In making these decisions, they must call on others with that expertise.

The Prairie City Council is no different. I have had the privilege of attending many of their meetings and have observed their diligence in considering all aspects of an issue before making final decisions. The council is made up of concerned citizens with diverse backgrounds who often have to ask City staff, residents, and other professionals for their input before making decisions.

The water issue is one of these times when outside professionals including those from the Oregon State Department of Human Services, Drinking Water Program, and other engineers had to be consulted. This was a time-consuming process that took several months, with bimonthly public meetings, last year. After weighing all the options, and with prior State approval of the water delivery system, the council has finally begun proceedings to end the nine year violation of the Oregon Drinking Water Act. The slow-sand-filtration system is in place successfully in many other communities and would not be approved by the State Drinking Water Program if it were not a safe option for our drinking water.

I think it is time for us to stand behind our City Council and commend them for finally taking action. There are some who want you to believe that they have not had the opportunity to express themselves. I have been at many meetings that have been monopolized by the opposition to the extent that Prairie City Council has been unable to conduct normal business. Every time the mayor is required to bring outside professionals to answer redundant questions it costs the city money. Prairie City can ill afford to continue to support the antics of the naysayers.

Please support their efforts to comply with the Notice of Violation and Administrative Order that requires the new water system to be in place by Nov. 30, 2008.

Carole Garrison

Prairie City