I commented at the Bothell City Council meeting [on May 10] regarding transparency. Or the lack of transparency on the council. Seems like it’s a buzz word when campaigning, and subjective when action is required. Tired of the double standard. Here is the copy I prepared and read last night. I’m happy to share more as you wish.

Seattle Times editorial originally published July 15th 2015 Titled: The Times recommends: James McNeal, Andy Rheaume, Davina Duerr for Bothell City Council

An excerpt from the editorial the writer is quoted as saying “McNeal is the best candidate in this race because of his leadership, experience as a construction manager and advocacy for Bothell locally and with other jurisdictions recruited to preserve the open space.

Those attributes and his commitment to make Bothell a more transparent and careful steward of its assets outweigh concerns about his past legal troubles, including a DUI and tax-payment problems when his small business flailed before the recession.

If elected, McNeal should work to ensure that he represents all quarters of Bothell.”

The editorial goes on to say “When controversy erupted over the sale of the golf course’s back nine to the mayor for a housing project, Rheaume aligned with the OneBothell group that successfully fought to preserve the open-space.

Rheaume says the city handled the deal poorly and he regrets not questioning staff guidance to the council at the time. It was a crash course in the importance of transparency and independence. The editorial continues by saying “In the race for Position No. 6, Davina Duerr is the best choice for a council that needs to rebuild trust, increase transparency and manage growth.”

Another article published in the Bothell Reporter on Oct. 1, 2015 quotes then candidate Duerr as saying “I think transparency is the root of democracy. If you don’t believe that your government is being transparent with you, then you don’t have a relationship, and if you don’t have a relationship then there’s no point to communication.”

Councilmember [Tris] Samberg’s website in the “What I stand for” section regarding council responsiveness to citizen input she states in 2014, “The current Council and city leadership equate short meetings and fast decisions with efficient and effective government. I disagree. As I have in the past, I will work to bring more voices to the table so that multiple perspectives influence important decisions.”

I consider the firing of the city manager an important decision. Councilmember Samberg did not even speak to her motion when asked if she’d like to by the mayor.

I do not believe this represents transparency in our elected council members that support the firing of the city manager, Bob Stowe. I believe that Bob should be honored for the contribution his vision has made to each and every one of us that get to reap the benefits in our great city.

I believe this decision potentially could cast doubt in the minds of the investors and business owners currently considering Bothell.

Troy Anderson, Woodinville