Recently, I wrote a letter to the editor asking “What’s Happening In PG.” Like clockwork, an opponent of the ATC project, with no fact-based argument, took it upon herself to claim I was either unfamiliar with city government, or trying to take advantage of people who were unfamiliar. Nothing could be further from the truth. For those unfamiliar with how municipal government works, if there is an upcoming agenda item, commissioners may not publicly opine or comment on that agenda item before it is properly agendized. Why is this an issue? To do so would violate the rights of the parties involved in that agenda item, thus denying them their due process. Three commissioners did that when they offered opinions about the project when it was not on the agenda. Furthermore, the letter writer, Lisa Ciani, either misunderstood or didn’t actually read what I wrote regarding a recently appointed commissioner. I’ll restate it, so there is no confusion. This commissioner, prior to being suddenly reappointed, was a vocal opponent of the ATC Project appearing at a number of public meetings to voice their opinion. Perfectly fine, unless the project you are about to vote on, is the very project you spoke in opposition to. That’s called conflict of interest and there is nothing “law abiding, responsible and respectful about that.” But don’t take my word for it, its on record, something Ms. Ciani seems to forget.
— John Evans, Pacific Grove