What is going on with our elected officials in Black Diamond? Vote No on Prop. 1

I am disappointed with the Black Diamond City Council’s decision to put a change in government proposal on the ballot in the November election (Prop. 1). While this issue has been under discussion since the first part of this year (see Covington Reporter, Feb. 3, 2012), for some reason it was not brought up at a City Council meeting until it was introduced at a lightly attended meeting held on a Monday, July 9, rather than at a normally scheduled Thursday City Council meeting.

In addition, it was not included on the agenda or in the council packet for the meeting. Why was there such a long delay before it was brought to a City Council meeting? Our current City Council was elected based on the premise that they will be transparent and consider input from the public.

Apparently they decided to throw all of that out the window when they put this proposition on the ballot without taking the time to consider the pros and cons or have a public hearing on it.

Is information in a ballot measure and letters to the editor really the best place to get facts about this?

By putting it on the ballot, the City Council members effectively removed themselves from the discussion.

And if Prop. 1 passes, then what? Few details are available about the transition. Given Black Diamond’s recent history with city administrators — three in less than five years — I have reservations about the ability to attract and retain a qualified city manager.

In the absence of compelling reasons supporting it, I am voting No on Prop. 1.

Mike Royston

Black Diamond