To the Editor:

Public service is challenging (frustratingly so at times), yet honorable and rewarding work on the best days. It offers those rendering it unlimited opportunities to be creative problem solvers, effective communicators, and trusted partners willing to collaborate to get things done for the benefit of their constituents.

Sadly, the citizens of John Day are not witness to this happening with the continuously dwindling makeup of elected representatives on the city council. The last special meeting conducted displayed a fully dysfunctional body seemingly paralyzed in their ability to conduct the business of local governance. The looks of absolute pain, misery, and withdrawal on the faces of council members throughout the evening were palpable. With set jaws and defensive posturing, there was no air left in that room to even begin doing the work of the people.

And so, unsurprisingly, such was not done. Instead, only more anger was fomented, tribes further consolidated, and heels dug further into the ground.

This must end. Adults must enter the room and the zero-sum game being dangerously played must stop. This city has some very real safety, health, wellness, and livability issues to be addressed. And as a community, we will never realize opportunities that would collectively lift us up if those elected to govern devote their time and energy to wasteful, destructive ends.

Every councilor should look at themselves hard in the mirror and honestly question his/her motives at this point. Moreover, anyone unwilling to change towards being the working representative this community needs should gracefully exit.

Liz Aleman

John Day