A call for transparency and accountability

In a democracy, the government’s fundamental obligation is to represent the interests of its citizens and to communicate effectively with the public. The city of Comanche, a community rich in history and cultural diversity, is no exception to this principle. However, recent actions by the City Council and Mayor have raised concerns about the level of transparency and accountability demonstrated to the public.

Specifically, the decision to retain the current City Manager and award him a 5% pay raise has been met with dismay and confusion, largely because no explanations or justifications were provided.

The Issue at Hand

It’s not just the decision itself that has residents scratching their heads, but the manner in which it was carried out. The City Council’s choice to maintain the City Manager’s position and grant a pay increase was done without public discussion or explanation. For a decision of this magnitude, which has a direct impact on how taxpayer money is spent, the absence of clear communication is alarming.

The Role of the Mayor

While the City Council collectively made the decision, it’s the Mayor’s responsibility to act as a liaison between the governing body and the citizens. The Mayor’s failure to provide any context or reasoning behind this unpopular decision is a dereliction of that responsibility. In a community as tight-knit as Comanche, such omissions do not go unnoticed, nor should they be tolerated.

The Importance of Transparency

Transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of good governance. It enables citizens to understand the rationale behind decisions that affect their lives and their wallets. It fosters trust between elected officials and the public, and it allows for informed debate and discussion. By keeping the community in the dark, the City Council and the Mayor have done a disservice to the very people they are supposed to represent.

What Can Be Done

Open Dialogue: The Mayor and the City Council should hold a public forum or town hall meeting to discuss their decisions, including the rationale behind retaining the City Manager and the subsequent pay raise.

Transparency in Future Decisions: Any future decisions that involve public funds or key appointments should be communicated clearly and transparently to the public.

Accountability: If elected officials are unable to meet the basic requirement of transparency, it may be time for citizens to consider whether they are the right individuals to lead the community.

Conclusion

The strength of a community like Comanche lies in the active participation of its citizens in the democratic process. When that process is undermined by a lack of transparency, it affects us all. It’s time for our Mayor and City Council to rectify this lapse and commit to open, transparent governance moving forward. After all, they owe it to the community they serve.

This opinion piece was submitted and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Comanche Times.