Local government is a democracy

Patricia Kelly’s recent resignation from the city council, and its underlying cause – a “power struggle” with the mayor according to the article – made me recall a maxim I learned some time ago: The military is not a democracy. Susan Jaggers, I am sure, is well aware of that maxim. But, while we all thank Susan for her recent military service, we must instruct her, respectfully, not to view her role as our mayor as a military assignment. Our city IS a democracy, and its governing council must operate as one, functioning by consensus rather than fiat.

David Cohen