Proposal is nothing more than a power grab

I recently attended a Sandpoint City Council meeting where Councilman Stephen Snedden and Councilwoman Helen Newton approved and passed on to the City Council a measure which would place a “freeze” on all city departments unless approved by the council.

It seems to me this is a grave overstep of the council’s boundaries. Take a police department who is down sworn officers and place a “freeze” on that department until the council can meet, discuss, vote, and maybe approve the need for personnel? The city hires department heads who are trained and have the experience to make these decision. I’m sorry but I don’t believe a lawyer, restaurateur, former city clerk, mental health specialist, or political author has the qualifications necessary to tell the fire chief how many fireman he needs to employ to keep this city safe. Not only are they not qualified, we all know how long it takes for the council to reach a decision.

It was disappointing to watch two council member approve to pass on this “hiring freeze,” even though not one individual in the chambers, which included police officers, department heads, business owners, and citizens, spoke in favor of this motion. Please think of how the inability of a police chief, fire chief or water/waste manager to hire necessary employees would effect this city. This will be brought in front of the council for a vote next week so please speak out and send you comments to City Hall. Your safety may depend on it.

MICHAEL HOTTMAN

Ponderay