Balance in All Things

Let’s add some balance. The Ruston Connection web page has posted the new council rules, Huson’s explanation letter and the audio of the study session on Jan. 14th. I strongly encourage everyone to research this issue and explore all sides. Because our residents deserve to have all the facts, it is important to add some perspective to RC’s (and the council’s) newest claims.

The Jan. 14th study session is being used to justify the removal of almost all public input at council meetings and the threat to remove our 4 minutes per month if the audience does not remain silent at all times.

So let's look at what happened. Many people came to this meeting upset that Council Members Albertson and Stebner had been dishonest at the previous council meeting. The council had been asked about the contract they were negotiating with Tacoma Fire, but they would not reveal anything other than to confirm a meeting with Tacoma. Tacoma subsequently notified the mayor that they had withdrawn from negotiations well before Albertson and Stebner were questioned at the council meeting on Jan. 7th.

Everyone knew that tensions would be high at this meeting. So Albertson opened by setting his ground rules. But he claimed those rules were based on behavior from the last council meeting where he claimed the council had been yelled at and sworn at. A review of the tape shows about a 2 sentence exchange where one person raised their voice somewhat, but did not swear.

Albertson then wanted to question the fire chief with no advance notice of what his questions were, although the questions were clearly prepared and available in advance of the meeting. The majority of the fire committee members were present, who had done extensive research on these issues. But they were not asked to participate.

Chief Torbet expressed frustration at not being given advance notice that he would be questioned, especially since he had specifically asked for information from the council at the last meeting. But he agreed to answer any questions.

Albertson then asked Torbet the same question 7 times (what criteria should be used to choose between Tacoma and Ruston fire). Since Tacoma had withdrawn from negotiations, and the council had not offered any explanation for their dishonest omission at the last meeting, there was growing tension in the audience by this continued discussion of contracting with Tacoma. Many had come to the meeting to explore issues related to Ruston’s department, not to continue a needless debate.

After the 6th time the question was asked, the mayor pointed out that he had done his best to keep order but it was clear that folks did not appreciate the way that the council was conducting the meeting. When Albertson asked the same question yet again, there was a sharp exchange between one member of the audience and the mayor consisting of 3 sentences. The mayor regained control of the meeting, but Council Member Huson then made a motion to adjourn and walked out of the meeting.

If you listen to the tape, you will note there was not a “20 minute free for all” as RC claims. Public discussion got out of hand for the last 1 minute and 35 seconds of the formal meeting after Huson walked out. The last few minutes of the meeting were similar in tone to many council meetings during the Commencement condo debate 3 years ago, where Huson and Stebner were audience members displaying what is now defined as ‘uncivil’ behavior.

On a final note, I appreciate the new council rules provided by RC. These new rules were read rapidly at the meeting last night and no public questions, clarification or input was allowed. And thank you to whomever took that niffy secret recording (not illegal, just hidden). But I continue to disagree with the one-side presentation they offer. We try to give you more details here ~ if only to balance what you are hearing from other sources. I hope everyone can stay open and try to talk through these issues as best we can, even if the discussion can no longer happen at the council meetings.

Karen