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Page 1 of 1 <br />Maria Hoey <br />Subject: FW: Oppsed to Home Depot and Iraq War Discussion <br />From: Meribeth Detweilei~~ <br />.,_ .. <br />Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 11:35 PM <br />To: Mayor and City Council <br />Subject: Tuesday's agenda items <br />Council, <br />At the last council meeting, after I and other commissioners were sworn in, Jennifer <br />commented on how our advice is needed and valued by the council. So with that in mind I <br />want to share my thoughts about upcoming discussions and hope that you will give my <br />opinions, as a city representative, serious consideration even though the matters do not <br />fall in the Human Services realm. <br />First, I have heard from many people in all parts of the city that another Home <br />Depot, particularly in this proposed location is not needed. The location is not warranted <br />and similar nearby, but smaller businesses will be negatively impacted. I wholeheartedly <br />agree with their opinions. While I do not oppose a center at that location and the tax <br />revenue one would bring, Home Depot does not seem appropriate. <br />Secondly, I agree with the view of so many others at the last council meeting AND <br />the staff report that recommends council not sponsor a public forum to discuss the Iraq <br />War. You are stepping outside the responsibilities you were elected to should you pursue <br />this. City resources should not be used in this way yet you do not seem to be listening to <br />the public in this regard. <br />I was involved in a situation with similarities a couple of years ago in my role on the <br />Senior Center Advisory Board. We were looking into the creation of a foundation but we <br />also discussed some options that would not have limited benefits to the Senior Center. <br />At our next meeting we were informed by staff thnt should we want to pursue those <br />routes, we would have to do so on our own as a group of citizens. We would not be allowed <br />to use city staff, city meeting rooms or other city resources if we wanted to go in that <br />direction. We stepped back to consider things and agreed to drop those alternatives. As <br />our elected officials I suppose there is no one person to tell you what you can or cannot <br />do but you should be listening to public comment. And as one of your 'trusted advisors' I <br />am telling you that you need to drop this matter. <br />Sincerely, <br />Meribeth Detweiler <br />Chair, Human Services Commission <br />i/ 10/?007 <br />