Newspapers are hopelessly under informed
Letters to the editor

This letter has to do with the Commission appointed by Columbia City Council to study the structure of city government.

Two important newspapers in Columbia recently misrepresented this effort as having been futile and a waste of $40,000.

These publications are not misinformed. They are hopelessly under informed.

The commission successfully and unanimously arrived at six very logical findings. These are contained in an 18 page report communicated to Columbia City Council. This report is public record. It can operate as a road map for City Council, which if taken seriously by Council, can lead to happier days.

After unanimously agreeing to its findings, the Commission met two weeks late to examine which additional considerations it might offer to City Council. Although, other recommendations were available, only one question was allowed to come to a vote. This was to recommend to Council something called a "hybrid mayor." This form of city government statutorily does not exist. It is totally undefined. It would have been manifestly illogical to have voted for or to have recommended a proposition so illusive.

Again, it is regretted that newsprint on this issue is so radically under informed. A copy of the report, including summaries of testimony taken and the unanimously adopted findings can be had from the office of the City Manager.

Crawford Clarkson