Former Council Members Comment

The concern about the recent decision to appoint Dan Albertson to the council without advance notice has raised concern for many in town. We have received comments from 2 former council members on the issue, among others. The appointment was made at the same meeting the vacancy was announced, disregarding a longstanding council practice of soliciting applications and considering a variety of citizens before making their decision. Albertson will serve for over 2 years.

From Del Brewer, who left the council this month:
Weelll, there they go again (heard with the Reagan voice) the cliches can run amuck endlessly: "people get the government they deserve" etc....Another sham was executed on our little hamlet last evening when former mayor and councilmember Pudlo's still warm but vacated seat was filled by Albertson on a 3 to 1 vote by the new/old council lead by the ever shameless Everding.

I do not doubt that Dan Albertson may be the best person in Ruston for the job, after all he lost the election by a very slim margin and has a resume that may well qualify him. WHAT I DO OBJECT TO IS THE DENIAL OF PROCESS that has been the standard here in Ruston and elsewhere which opens the vacancy to any and all residents that want to apply for the position and follow a review, interview, etc. method.

And now the 'good' news, Ruston now has another lawyer on board.........now maybe we can save a few hundred thousand dollars of our precious nest egg...unless of course he is not able to give us 'legal advice' due to rules set up by far to many American families having allowed (and even encouraged) their children to go to law school!!

From Charlene Hagen, who served until 2001.
I spent twelve years on the Council. How did my service start? There was an opening advertised and I applied for it, along with other folks. I was interviewed publicly so that everyone knew my views and character. That process was followed the next twelve years. The residents were kept informed and given the opportunity to apply. We had a diversity of thought and opinion that was of benefit to the town.

While I understand the rationale in letting the newly elected Councilmembers start their term a month early, even if I don’t agree with it; I cannot stomach the trickery and scheming exhibited by the Councilmembers in the appointment for the vacancy of Councilmember Pudlo's position. Words cannot convey how disappointed I am. Is this a democracy or is it a government run on the views of one small but vocal group? If I were a Councilmember today, I can assure you I wouldn't have played a part in their shameful actions.

Remember your actions, Councilmembers, the next time you reprimand the Mayor for making a decision without input.