September 2, 2009

AN OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR MULLIGAN

Dear Mayor Mulligan,

I was aghast at your conduct at last night’s council meeting. After a citizen spoke her mind during the Citizen’s Comments segment you spoke up and berated her for suggesting the City law Director should be reprimanded by the City Manager and he should be asked for his resignation.

Now, Mr. Mayor, We have all heard you say repeatedly that Council is not set-up to answer Citizen’s Comments. However, last night you didn’t hesitate to violate your own rule and adamantly belittled Ms. Bronson for her comments immediately after she spoke. Pray tell us, why is an exception like that allowable for one circumstance and not for all circumstances? Is it just when you in your wisdom allow it or just when your temperment allows it?

Mr. Mayor, I respectfully suggest to you that you crossed the line last night. You owe Ms. Bronson and the citizens of Middletown an apology for answering "when we are not set-up to answer citizen’s comments". In church we say that the repentance and the confession should be as public as the sin that was committed. We look forward to your humble apology. Oh, go ahead and do it with humility. It will be good for you and the community both.

Furthermore, Mr. Mayor, may I respectfully remind you that in America we still have and practice some democracy and freedom of speech. Granted that we are losing both at a rather rapid pace because our leaders make every effort to close the mouths of those who disagree with them. Many of our leaders don’t enjoy the exchange of ideas and the debate and disagreement that built this great country and community. Why, last night, your outburst, the arguing and the debate between citizens and council and the debate among council on serious business matters was a wonderful and stimulating thing to observe. Did you happen to notice that our City Law Director replied to Ms. Bronson himself? Mr. Landen is a seasoned veteran at public debate. That wasn’t the first time he was publicly asked to resign. It doesn’t scare him. Although, I’m sure he appreciated your support. That’s democracy and may its tribe increase. So, in the future, I hope you will find a way to foster democracy by publicly encouraging every citizen to speak their mind and by encouraging council to respectfully respond to citizens comments. That type of encouragement comes about when council members believe that they are not in their position for power but that they are there as representatives of their constituency and that they are indeed public servants .

Mr. Mayor, I respectfully ask you to forgive me for addressing you in this forum but a temporary health matter prevents me from coming to the next council meeting. But, I assure you, that I shall be at the very next council meeting possible so that you can publicly reply to me as democracy allows unless you choose to reply here at MIDDLETOWNUSA.

Thank you.

Sincerest regards and best wishes in your appreciated position as Mayor of our fair city.

Paul Nagy