Who is really running our city?

It is possible lines of ethics and conflict are being crossed by the dual position of prosecutor/risk manager in our city. I believe the prosecutor acted as risk manager in my case. I would not have the judge’s oral findings to support my case if the prosecutor had used better discretion and dismissed this case out of court as the facts and evidence suggested.

The prosecutor/risk manager caused risk to the city instead of minimizing it. Is my case an isolated case? What about the attempt at making an innocent citizen a criminal in order to manage risk? This department is already not following the current budget narrative regarding tort claims. Whose risk is being managed?

Since the current attorney took office in 2010, the attorney and risk departments are asking for another $110,000 at the same time that our fire protection is being cut. Whose risk is being managed?

The legal department should not be responsible for the insurance and risk management needs of the city. This is creating conflict to our tax dollars and our rights and doing damage to our People.

I object to this budget and the power of the legal department in our city. It is my opinion that this needs to be investigated by outside legal counsel before this budget is approved.

I was obstructed by the city attorney and mayor from presenting this part of my statement at the council meeting after presenting true facts about my case. The mayor suggested these true facts were derogatory. Their reasoning seems a bit incriminating considering the violations to my rights. These violations and the costs to the city are directly related to the budget. Now there is an added violation of the right to free speech.

Who is really running our city? Are we really free?

RITA HUTCHENS

Sandpoint