PUBLIC COMMENT ELIMINATED!
The public’s hope that removing former mayor Bassett from office would get Edgewood back on track, has instead uncovered the town’s problems run far deeper and more widespread.
For the first time in Edgewood’s history, the public was not allowed to comment during a regular council meeting. Even a request from Councilor Jaramillo to allow public comment during the December 23 meeting was shot down when Councilor Holle disingenuously claimed the public could not be heard since it was not on the agenda. Consequently, there was no opportunity for public input on any matter despite the town’s long-standing practice to allow for public comment at all regularly-scheduled town meetings.
KEEPING PUBLIC IN THE DARK
Despite the requirement that public work be conducted in public view, Acting-Mayor John Abrams failed to hold regular public meetings in accordance with the Town’s 2020 operating resolution. Abrams (a lock-step Bassett supporter) is continuing Bassett’s failed practice of keeping the public (and other elected officials) in the dark about town activities and expenditures. Like Bassett, Abrams refuses to allow councilors Jaramillo and Abraham to place items on the agenda the the public wants to know. The governing body cannot do the people’s business without information from town staff and the opportunity to direct town actions, as is the job of the governing body. What was Bassett hiding and why does Abrams continue to keep it out of public view?
WATCH: Dec 23 Council Meeting Recap
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TOP 5 ISSUES PUBLIC WANTS TO KNOW
1. Progress on Transition to Commission-Manager government
2. Status of town’s EPCOR takeover efforts (public strongly opposes)
3. Legal Expenses and Issues
4. Environmental safety of town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
5. Public Expenditures and Public Projects