Open letter to High Springs Mayor Larry Travis

 

At the May 26 commission meeting you proclaimed it civility month. This proclamation did not last long in that you became angry, showed a lack of respect, and made personal attacks on Commissioner May.

You stated clearly that the email in which the chief of police represented your approval to continue negotiating with the Combined Communication Center dispatch service and circumvent the explicit language of the 4-1 commission vote was "wrong."

If the chief did make a false claim and misrepresented your approval, will you take action to direct the city manager to rectify this violation of conduct outlined in the personnel manual, treating the chief of police in the same manner as all other city employees?

Was your angry outburst at the meeting a genuine protest of this apparent "lie" or were you just yelling to distract from the real issue?

I do think we need more civility, actions instead of just words, and definitely a lot less yelling.

If nothing else, you owe Commissioner May and the citizens of the city an apology for your behavior.

"Whereas displays of anger, rudeness, impatience, and a lack of respect and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues, and can discourage individuals from participation in government"

These were the words you spoke at the beginning of the meeting. As mayor of the city you should be setting a better example of your own proclamation.

Robyn Rush

High Springs, Fla.