Why is the City so Mad?

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain
    I thought the right way for a citizen to question the government was to go through all of the proper channels, express your concerns, and look to your elected officials to be open, transparent, and helpful.
    When I saw the problem with the looming approval of the Shoe Creek development, I emailed the legislative branch of Central’s government, our Council Members, and specifically expressed my concerns.  In the face of overwhelming public concern and opposition, they went ahead and approved the development.
    So, I turned to the executive branch, Mayor Junior Shelton, and asked him to veto the ordinance to give himself and the Council time to respond to the many questions and concerns expressed by the citizens, and to be sure that the ordinance was lawful.  Mayor Shelton signed the ordinance into law later that same day.
    That left the one lawful option which is afforded all citizens, the judicial branch of our government.  So, three of us sought the opinion of the courts.  That sounded like a reasonable and rightful path for citizens who want to be sure Central’s laws are being followed.
    So why is the Mayor and Council so upset that the citizens dare to question their decisions?  If you think I’m over-reacting, I’ll remind you that Mayor Shelton has gone on television and used his position as the Chair of the City Council to call the lawful petition filed by Central citizens a “…heinous attempt to stall progress in our city.”  (Heinous: wicked, evil, monstrous, hideous.)  Is the next step to intimidate citizens to the point that they won’t even express a dissenting opinion at a Council meeting?
    How nice would it have been for everyone just to walk into court, us with our attorney and our elected officials with the City Attorney, and everyone just tell the truth, then let the judge decide?  No fancy lawyering, motions, pleadings, and technical objections…. just the truth.  Well, I’m getting a tough lesson about crossing the government.  They have lots of money and lots of lawyers and they are not afraid to use them.
    Now, three citizens with limited resources are in a courtroom “David and Goliath” legal battle which pits our one attorney against three law firms and six attorneys.  This team of litigators is funded by the City of Central’s $10 million budget surplus and the considerable resources of the developer, who has joined the city, determined to keep this project going despite public opposition and legal questions.
    I have been publicly quiet about this for over three weeks, and our attorney might advise more caution, but this is the biggest change in the character and future of the Central community we have faced since incorporation.  So, I can’t in good faith be silent.  I will give the readers of Central Speaks as much information about this important issue as I can each week.
    The best thing about this issue for me is, all I have to do is tell the truth and let the law speak for itself.  If this difficult process we are enduring does nothing more than to remind our elected officials that they need to listen to those that they represent and treat them with dignity, that would be Good News for a Great City.