[Adrian] Rousseau and [Thomas] Matthews not showing up to Monday night's debate at City Hall tells me they do not have what it takes to run a city. I have to give [John Mathew] Smith a mark for showing up, however he does not seem to have the knowledge or network of people that the current council knows and have.  The current council members all have backgrounds as directors or been involved in government work. This tells me they understand what it takes to run a city and spend our money wisely. They discuss the effects of changes needed and do their research before committing to a project. The current council has ties to state government representatives and knows whom to petition for grants and funds that will benefit our town. This council has brought our city forward with new improvements, and balanced the budget. We have not had a tax hike in six years.

Invites to all the candidates running for council seats to participate in the debate went out. When Rousseau and Matthews do not show up to address questions about what they have to offer our city in the way of skills and ideas, how can we take them seriously, that they would be the best person for the job? I guess they just expect us to accept them because they are running, the same way they expected the city to accept their incomplete applications. 

Beverley Peters

Laurel