Letters to the Editor for June 15, 2009

Brocato could use some advice

To the editor:

From newspaper accounts, observance of council telecasts and from information conversations, it appears to me that despite Mr. Brocato’s obvious management skills (recognized by six of the seven council members in his recent evaluation) four of his employers have been so shaken by his management style that it was impossible for them to arrive at any solution but his dismissal.

It might be helpful if present and former employees of Bella, York’s and the county library could tell Mr. Brocato what form of behavior has been or was necessary to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of those employers. Armed with this information, Mr. Brocato could avoid offending the psyches of future employers.

Being unaware of Mr. Button’s management background, I can only suggest he weigh all the options and ramifications of such major decisions in the future. In my view, his last decision will have long-lasting and catastrophic consequences for our community.   

John Heriza

Baker City

Time was right to fire Brocato

To the editor:

It’s about time that Steve Brocato was fired as city manager! His attitude toward citizens and city council members has always been rude and disrespectful. 

I disagree, however, with the way the firing was done. I believe such a major decision should have gone before an executive session of the council. If firing the city manager was the majority decision, then an announcement of a special meeting at a large facility should have been called.  Then all interested citizens, not just city employees, or those who happened to be present could speak. If given the opportunity, I believe there would have been a flood of citizens at the city council meeting who would have liked to have a say, either pro or con, on the firing of the city manager.

If the firing was done incorrectly, then it should be addressed and corrected. 

If Sam Bass tries to be “a pain in the butt” for the remainder of his term, the voters have removed disruptive council members in the past and they can do it again. Being against something and voicing that opposition is the right thing to do, but being a disruption is not!

Mr. Brocato stated, “I have difficulty with this council not accepting public interaction when I have been criticized for that” when he had city employees fill the council chambers to show a false degree of overwhelming support. I wonder how many of those city employees stood in support of Mr. Brocato just in case he wasn’t fired. A vindictive person would ask why they didn’t back him and fire anyone who didn’t have a very good reason for being absent!

The city manager works for the city council, but the council work for the citizens of Baker City, and we should have a say in such an important decision.

I plan to start attending every city council meeting, because this is my city and I don’t know if I trust those who run it. Hope to see you there!   

Jim Thomas

Baker City

Four people running our city

To the editor:

Do we as citizens of Baker City realize who is now running our town? Four people that serve on City Council, now have the majority vote for all decisions. Now that they have banded together, we cannot and will not be heard. In the process of locating a “new” city manager, those four will make the final choice since they are and will more than likely continue to be the majority. They will either choose someone with the same slanted principles or a puppet on a string. We can wear T-shirts, boycott and put up signs, but until something is done to break up the “Fantastic Four,” we as a community are truly at their mercy.

They do have their supporters but if the rest of us would publicly stand up for what we believe, I am sure that we far outnumber them. Now is not the time to worry about who might be offended or who we might alienate. No matter which side you are on, most of us agree that the way in which this decision was carried out demonstrates the “slimy underbelly” of Baker City politics in its truest form.

The four councilors believe that what is being done is in the best interest of Baker City, as though they are protecting us from some evildoer. This decision is not in our best interest. Steve Brocato has had such a positive impact on our community. Anyone that knows him or his family understands that he is a man of real ethics and strong leadership.

During public meetings, our mayor is now refusing to listen to the remaining three councilors or members of the public. There is a definite agenda on his part. Tell me Baker City, what are you going to do? I for one will proudly wear my “I support Steve Brocato” T-shirt and plan on signing the recall petitions as soon as possible.    

Marna Fahrney

Baker City