When YLRRR first formed, I was there. When the name was chosen, I was there (it was my idea). When the name was adjusted later to accommodate other issues, I was there (that name was mine, too). I was at every board meeting, every general meeting, and behind most of the events planned by YLRRR.
Our group was diverse, energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate. We each had strengths to bring to the group. My strengths were to keep the big picture in mind, to analyze actions and words for unintended consequences, and to remind everyone that we always needed to take the high road. Together, we accomplished a great deal to inform and involve the public in local government activities.
When it came to the 2006 election, we vetted all candidates after they pulled papers and chose to support the two that most closely represented what we had been fighting for – candidates that believed in low-density, transparent government, and listening to the citizens. Those candidates were Jan Horton and John Anderson, who both won.
The Hortons left the board, as was the proper thing to do. The honeymoon was short. Fairly soon after the election, the rest of the board decided that Jan Horton no longer deserved support. The board started arguing with me, as well, as I was the only one left who was still talking to Jan. I was perplexed, as I cannot imagine batting 1.000 with anyone when it comes to voting on issues. I was happy for .850 rather than .100 with the previous council.
As time went on, relations became more and more strained. In March of 2008, the board of YLRRR decided to support candidates for the November, 2008 election, months before candidates pulled papers. Instead of vetting those who chose to run, YLRRR made the decision to control who ran. Since I had severe issues with this radical change of ideology, I resigned.
Since I left, it appears that no one who was involved wanted to keep the greater good, big picture in mind, and that the high road was off the table. In fact, in looking at the attacks in the current election, it seems to me that the current YLRRR has morphed into what the old YLRRR worked so hard to fight. There is less transparency, more conflicts, and a lack of manners on the council that is controlled by three members currently supported by YLRRR.
The old YLRRR would have been appalled at the half-truths promoted by the current YLRRR. An example is the council and the chamber of commerce. Ms. Horton was ostracized by YLRRR and Mr. Anderson early on for approving an amended contract with the chamber with details and a performa instead of the rather loose agreement that had existed for years. Currently, Mr. Anderson, Ms. Rykel, and Mr. Schwing all enjoy an alliance with the chamber at an even higher level than before. That is a flip flop that none of them seem to realize.
Mr. Anderson vowed in 2006 that he would sit for one term. Apparently, on the last day available, he forgot that as he filed papers. That is a flip flop. And, unlike the Hortons who left YLRRR after the 2006 election, Mr. Anderson and Ms. Rykel are still heavily involved with the group. So much for transparency.
Therefore, despite my heavy involvement with the old YLRRR, I am no longer a member. Despite my support for him in 2006, I am no longer supporting John Anderson because his personal agenda has made it impossible for him to make good decisions for the whole city.
Pat Nelson Former Board Member of YLRRR