TO THE EDITOR:
While on the staff of the Artesia Daily Press, Staci Guy’s reporting was typically accurate and informative because she took time to get the facts before writing. However, her long, reproachful letter directed at the Mayor and City Council which appeared in Sunday’s Daily Press was uncharacteristically short on facts.
The matter before the City Council on June 14 concerned a request for the use of City property, made by an individual wanting to provide athletic skills training to the youth of our community. After discussion, no decision was made on the matter until further information was available.
Ms. Guy went to great lengths to defend and praise the individual wanting to provide the training and to criticize the Mayor and City Council for not approving the request. The facts are: The individual making the request did not attend the meeting to present the request and answer questions; the request did not include proof of insurance (a requirement when using City property); no one in the audience at the meeting indicated knowing the individual or spoke in support of the request; no City staff member in attendance indicated knowing the individual or spoke in support of the request; no City Councilor indicated knowing the individual or spoke in support of the request; not one negative comment was made about the individual or the intended purpose of the request; and with no motion made, the request simply was not acted upon until further information could be obtained.
It is the responsibility of the Mayor and City Council to limit the liability of the city, just as it is their responsibility to protect our residents, especially our children. In light of the facts, taking additional time to make an informed decision was prudent. There is no need to apologize for being extra cautious when asked for the use of City property and for access to our children. The City Council did its job.
Phil Burch
