This election Sammamish faces some tough issues given the economy, the fast approaching “cross-over” point where our city’s expenses will be greater than revenue, and the increasingly expressed opinion that citizens seek a more responsive City Council – one that listens and treats its citizens with respect.

It has been interesting to watch the debate on issues, as current council members who are running for reelection try to distance themselves from some of their more unpopular decisions, such as the costly ELSP project which has spent millions without adding any value, and as their opponents seek to hold them accountable for their actions.

One theme raised throughout is the way the council interacts with the citizens.

The most infamous, of course, is the now historic comment made by Council member Michelle Petiti when she characterized the citizens who warned against the misguided ELSP as “mob mentality.”

I was reminded of that insulting comment when reading the letter from Council member Mark Cross, who is not currently up for reelection, that appeared recently in the Sammamish Review.

It is fine for him to support his candidate of choice, but did he need to make the comment, in reference to other candidates: “This is not the time to elect lightweights to the council.”?

I have to wonder if there might just be a culture of arrogance within the Council.

Did Cross attend the debates or read the interviews that appeared in the local papers?

If so, he should know that the candidates are not “lightweights.”

They are experienced professionals who want to serve our city.

Some, like Tom O’Dell, bring more than 30 years of top executive experience, and can add enormous value with regards to fiscal responsibility at a time when this will be critical.

Others, like John James, Erica Tiliacos, Michael Rutt and John Curley bring a variety of expertise and should be commended for their desire to serve. To hear Mr. Cross refer to candidates as “lightweights” is disappointing.

Cross and Petiti are not on the ballot this year, but when their time comes for reelection, we can be sure that their competition will also not be lightweight.

Sherie Valderrama

Sammamish