New Search
.10412/93 09:46 $503 683 6826 EUG PUBLIC WORKS 444 MAINTENANCE 2003/003 <br /> apparent effect. <br /> Recent public rejection of taxation, particlarly as it <br /> influences education, engenders great concern among those of us <br /> who value public education and democratic institutions highly. <br /> Incidents of arrogance have siQniftCant impact on the trust and <br /> growing cynicism of the public. It is alarming to observe public <br /> officials so insensitive to public relations that they act <br /> irresponsibly. <br /> Councilors in office previous to 1993 may recall mg letter <br /> asking that Mr. Gleason be requested to publically correct <br /> previous misleading statements about Urban Renewal property tax <br /> funding. His response to me refused the suggestion that he make <br /> corrective public statements. He rationalized his refusal to <br /> comply through an essay emphasizing possible indirect factors <br /> which 'light make his questionable statements true. I have the <br /> letter shOSld any of you need verification. His response letter <br /> failed to indicate any 5eneitivity to the need For public <br /> officials to respect, build and maintain the public trust. Lack <br /> of sensitivity to the credibility atpect of public relations <br /> raises serious questions about Gleason's judgement. Does he <br /> realize the importance of the public trust in the continuing <br /> participatory operation of democratic government? If so, why do <br /> alienating actions occcur and recur in his office and in his <br /> administration? <br /> Given that several years have passed since I apprised Mayor <br /> Miller of this credibility problem, it would seem that not enough <br /> has been accomplished to eliminatee it. <br /> I hops that you agree that this credibiility problem is a very <br /> serious matter. You alone have the authority to convince Mr. <br /> Gleason that changes are mandatory and that such changes must be <br /> accomplished expediently and permanently. I suggest that the <br /> Council take appropriate action to accomplish an attitude <br /> adjustment in the city manager and those he employs. Sensitivity <br /> training seems tel be in order. I lack confidence that deeply <br /> ingrained attitudes and primitive ethics can be easily exorcised. <br /> I hope that the city council can appreciate the not -so- subtle <br /> significance of this problem and act expediently and decisively. <br /> This problem is not going to solve itself. <br /> Yours si07nceerrely, <br /> • Ray Wo1Ee <br /> -2- <br />