Letter to the Editor

Whatever happened to civility?

Friday, October 21, 2005

Dear Editor,

As a fairly new member of this community, I have to express my concerns. I am writing about the City Council meeting in which Missy Nelson approached the board with her request for a city contribution to the Share-A-Seat Campaign. My concern is not the denial of her request; it was the manner in which it was given.

I have personally attended many City Council, School Board and Parks Advisory meetings. In all of these meetings, the same air of hostility exists.

Why? Perhaps this is "business-as-usual" for McCook? Nevertheless, this is not the way most cities or businesses conduct their affairs. What people tend to forget in the heat of debate is that we're all on the same side! We all want what is best for McCook and its people.

Why can't we listen to each other with good manners and solve problems together? Why is there such an adversarial environment with our city leaders?

Missy and I and countless others volunteers have donated time and energy˜at no cost -- to improve our city. When presenting to our city representatives we should not be made to feel stupid, embarrassed, harassed, belittled or spoken to rudely. This is not acceptable!

Something must be done to end this practice of abusing volunteer citizens of this community. In return, civility needs to go both ways. We as citizens must mind our manners when we approach our city leaders.

Speaking with respect and courtesy should be the standard, not the unusual. 

I find it amusing that our mayor, Dennis Barry asked for a "Code of Conduct" to be adopted by the City Council. The majority of the council voted it down as not necessary. Well, I beg your pardon -- it is essential!

In conducting city business, it should be done professionally. No matter the subject, it should be acknowledged by the city officials or board members with politeness and respect. Problems should be debated with professionalism, courtesy and graciousness.

Without change, volunteers who can make things happen like Missy and I will disappear. Our enthusiasm and spirit will have been crushed under the weight of rudeness, scoffing, snorting and belligerent comments. Sorry guys, we're way too underpaid to be ridiculed for our efforts.

Sincerely,

Becky Kilpatrick

McCook

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