Last night's city council debacle wasn't just a meeting; it was a declaration of war against the very principles of governance and community trust. The audacity of these four council stooges, parading their destructive agenda as governance, is beyond appalling. It's clear we're not witnessing leadership but a cabal of so-called 'uni-party collaborators' intent on derailing our city for opaque 'strategic goals.' Their dismissal of genuine citizen concerns as trivial, in their rush to bulldoze over our city employees and decency, is a travesty.
They've shamelessly broadcasted their disdain for transparency and ethical governance, making a mockery of our democratic processes. And let's not even start on Councilman Young's possible Bitcoin interests intertwining with the Planning Commission—what other skeletons are lurking in the council's closet, waiting to spill out at their next 'special meeting'?
But fine, let's take them at their word—let's root out conflicts of interest and hold them accountable. It's high time the citizens of this city rise, demand transparency, and reclaim the integrity of our local government. We've been given a glimpse into their playbook of havoc; now, it's our turn to show that we won't stand idly by while they gamble with our city's future. To the council: We see through your charades, and we're not backing down. The fight for our city's soul is on.
I emailed all the council members saying this would be a misuse of city funds to have to pay Kris’ severance contract for no cause. Halvorson usually responds to emails, but not this time. I hope Swanson sues the city to show they are out of line. This is looking very MAGA-ish.
I watched most of the meeting online, as I’m in Florida at the moment. The council majority’s rush to fire Swanson struck me as a desire to humiliate and punish her, likely at the direction of the (unnamed) elected officials with whom the puppet council complained Swanson wasn’t cooperating. The council majority seems to want to cede control of its document recording fees back to the county commissioners, who want to smugly sit on them rather than dole them out to Longview’s Hope Village homeless housing project. PUPPETS.
Ick...and thank you. Andre we appreciate your factual reporting and outstanding writing. Please continue to keep us informed as this shameful ickiness continues.
Elections have consequences. When 60% of voters won’t complete a ballot mailed to your home, this is one of many consequences Longview residents will face for decades to come.
I forgot to note that 20 or so city employees were at the meeting to support Ms. Swanson. Many were standing at the back of the room or out in the hall crying after the termination vote was taken.
I was there in person last night and it was very difficult to watch the new bloc turn deaf ears to everyone who pleaded with them to be reasonable and slow down, step back, and do the right thing. They were bound and determined to sack Swanson. Andre makes an excellent point on how this will affect city finances. Even sadder is the effect this idiocy has had, and will continue to have, on city employees. And Andre, it takes every ounce of control to be polite. 😀
Yes I agree! This whole thing was very shady. If your going to fire someone at least go through the right process and give a reason. Completely unethical. I like your writing thank you for sharing
Now that this new cadre of council members has shown their true colors, it is “clear” there will be little transparency forthcoming. That’s why it’s so important that you, Andre, and others keep watching and reporting what’s happening on “our” city council. Thank you, Andre!
Wow! Excellent play by play! My daughter and I were looking for the update whether they went through with such an unethical plan. Thanks for the wonderful reporting.
"How to Destroy Democracy: Break Public Trust in Its Institutions, the Presidency Included". That was a headline for a blog I read. We are headed towards fascism at breakneck speed and that's what we saw last night. The newly elected threw Longview and surrounding area's under the MAGA bus. They were not concerned about bond ratings or anything other than petty grievances and a need for power. 37% voter turnout will be the end of democracy if we don't turn this around and shaming them will only fan the flames of their discontent. There's got to be a way to reach people who are on the fence, I don't know what it is but we need to find out and fast.
Last night's city council debacle wasn't just a meeting; it was a declaration of war against the very principles of governance and community trust. The audacity of these four council stooges, parading their destructive agenda as governance, is beyond appalling. It's clear we're not witnessing leadership but a cabal of so-called 'uni-party collaborators' intent on derailing our city for opaque 'strategic goals.' Their dismissal of genuine citizen concerns as trivial, in their rush to bulldoze over our city employees and decency, is a travesty.
They've shamelessly broadcasted their disdain for transparency and ethical governance, making a mockery of our democratic processes. And let's not even start on Councilman Young's possible Bitcoin interests intertwining with the Planning Commission—what other skeletons are lurking in the council's closet, waiting to spill out at their next 'special meeting'?
But fine, let's take them at their word—let's root out conflicts of interest and hold them accountable. It's high time the citizens of this city rise, demand transparency, and reclaim the integrity of our local government. We've been given a glimpse into their playbook of havoc; now, it's our turn to show that we won't stand idly by while they gamble with our city's future. To the council: We see through your charades, and we're not backing down. The fight for our city's soul is on.
I emailed all the council members saying this would be a misuse of city funds to have to pay Kris’ severance contract for no cause. Halvorson usually responds to emails, but not this time. I hope Swanson sues the city to show they are out of line. This is looking very MAGA-ish.
I watched most of the meeting online, as I’m in Florida at the moment. The council majority’s rush to fire Swanson struck me as a desire to humiliate and punish her, likely at the direction of the (unnamed) elected officials with whom the puppet council complained Swanson wasn’t cooperating. The council majority seems to want to cede control of its document recording fees back to the county commissioners, who want to smugly sit on them rather than dole them out to Longview’s Hope Village homeless housing project. PUPPETS.
Ick...and thank you. Andre we appreciate your factual reporting and outstanding writing. Please continue to keep us informed as this shameful ickiness continues.
Elections have consequences. When 60% of voters won’t complete a ballot mailed to your home, this is one of many consequences Longview residents will face for decades to come.
I forgot to note that 20 or so city employees were at the meeting to support Ms. Swanson. Many were standing at the back of the room or out in the hall crying after the termination vote was taken.
We are they going to do about it ?
I was there in person last night and it was very difficult to watch the new bloc turn deaf ears to everyone who pleaded with them to be reasonable and slow down, step back, and do the right thing. They were bound and determined to sack Swanson. Andre makes an excellent point on how this will affect city finances. Even sadder is the effect this idiocy has had, and will continue to have, on city employees. And Andre, it takes every ounce of control to be polite. 😀
I was unable to be polite the entire time.
they did exactly what they complained about having been done to them!!! That was not governing, that was revenge.
Yes I agree! This whole thing was very shady. If your going to fire someone at least go through the right process and give a reason. Completely unethical. I like your writing thank you for sharing
Now that this new cadre of council members has shown their true colors, it is “clear” there will be little transparency forthcoming. That’s why it’s so important that you, Andre, and others keep watching and reporting what’s happening on “our” city council. Thank you, Andre!
Wow! Excellent play by play! My daughter and I were looking for the update whether they went through with such an unethical plan. Thanks for the wonderful reporting.
"How to Destroy Democracy: Break Public Trust in Its Institutions, the Presidency Included". That was a headline for a blog I read. We are headed towards fascism at breakneck speed and that's what we saw last night. The newly elected threw Longview and surrounding area's under the MAGA bus. They were not concerned about bond ratings or anything other than petty grievances and a need for power. 37% voter turnout will be the end of democracy if we don't turn this around and shaming them will only fan the flames of their discontent. There's got to be a way to reach people who are on the fence, I don't know what it is but we need to find out and fast.