MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL: Reader defends Jon Lane

This is a response to the letter from Jon Smith, dated Sept. 29.

Mr. Smith, you sure don't seem to know how things work in government or how much control the mayor has. You are quick to accuse Mayor Lane of everything that appears wrong to you. Have you heard of building permits or city department budgets, or even a city manager? Mayor Lane is only one member of the city council and has only one vote.

I recently stopped to allow a woman with a small child to cross Broadway at a clearly marked crosswalk. I heard a car screeching to a quick stop to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front of it. I guess I should let Mayor Lane know the crosswalk shouldn't be there and it was his fault. I think that driver inattention was the problem.

The same goes for the Walgreens exit near the fill. I have seen people stopping quickly to avoid an accident because they are on the cellphone or driver inattention.

The new coffee shop at the same location was built after the plan was submitted to the building department for permits to start construction. It must be Mayor Lanes fault that they were approved.

The department responsible submits a budget to the city manager and he adds it to the budget and brings it to the city council for passing. Mayor Lane only has one vote.

You think that every time there is an accident on the fill that it must be Mayor Lane's fault. You appear to know Mr. Voth and if this is the way he thinks, it doesn't appear he has much to bring to the table. I think Mr. Lane is already at the table and looks like he is doing a good job.

Gordon Harris

Moses Lake