Our political environment in Paradise Valley is harming open discussion

Recently in this paper, Rupert Pavageau has offered us his opinion on town affairs. The problem is that Rupert Pavageau is a pen name for someone who doesn’t want to be identified. Why would anyone who has strong opinions and a command of the facts choose to hide behind a pen name?

This paper is proud of its position on allowing people to protect their anonymity while writing under a pen name, claiming that this practice is an important part of our national history. However, this is not 16th century England, where speaking out against the king gets you beheaded. Nor is the information offered by Rupert so sensitive that it risks public safety if it’s disclosed.

Instead, I see writing under a pen name in our community as a questionable act. It demonstrates a lack of imagination and knowledge on how to get things done. But, more importantly, I see it as a desperate act. When a government committed to transparency does not acknowledge that residents are afraid to engage honestly in public discussions, we have a problem.

Our call to action when we see an opinion offered under a pen name is to ask, “Why”? Town leaders must be held accountable for creating a political environment that is so toxic residents feel they have to hide their identity.

Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.