Mr. Grim, I left the city of Surprise and returned to private life nearly two years ago. But no one should be surprised that I remain interested in the health and long-term success of the city.
It was my privilege to serve. Occasionally I check in with friends, former colleagues or the local news for stories of interest. Yesterday, I came across your letter to the editor, taking on a fellow resident and former member of the city council.
You are entitled to engage in debate with your fellow citizens as well as critique the policy decisions of your elected officials. Critical feedback is a pillar of our democratic republic and encouraged by those of us who’ve spent a lifetime in public service.
Unfortunately, your statements do not live up to the standard of critical discourse the public yearns for. Instead, you have entitled yourself to your own set of facts, misrepresented documented city council decisions and lowered yourself to name calling.
As a man of the cloth, you should know better and aim higher. As a member of the city’s own parks and recreation advisory committee, you have a heightened level of access to facts about the goings-on in the city of Surprise. You also have a heightened responsibility to be truthful.
In performing your duties on behalf of the city, you are subject to the same ethics policy as those elected officials who appointed you. One way to honor the city’s ethics policy is to steer clear of political spin and ad hominem fallacy. Revisionism and personal attacks do not reflect well on the city, your colleagues on the parks and recreation advisory board and most importantly the very residents which you have volunteered to serve.
If you wish to take issue with fellow residents who have a right to express critical thought, do so in a civil manner. True leaders do not shy from critical opinion, they value it.
A newly elected mayor and city council of the city of Surprise will be seated in the coming months. Together, they will face a unique set of both challenges and opportunities. They will benefit from constructive feedback from residents of varied opinion.
I continue to pray for their health, wise counsel and careful deliberation in the coming years. I hope you will as well.
Editor’s Note: Ms. Wolcott Bechman is the former mayor of Surprise.
