Letter to the Editor

Editor:
I would like to clarify something that was published in the July 19 issue of The Leader-Union.
Under the "Our Opinion" section, the last paragraph stated the following: "…but the fact that this was acted on so quickly after discussions began, after one public meeting on the issue, one is left to wonder if, and how, this was all studied and how all city officials, except the current treasurer, came to believe this was the right decision."
This is not an accurate statement.
As a city official, I never once publicly commented on this issue. For the public who is unaware, the city clerk has no voting powers and does not make these decisions.
My take on this is that the citizens who pay these salaries should have had the opportunity to voice their opinion, either by survey or by some form of referendum.
Peggy Bowen
Vandalia City Clerk

Editor's note: Mayor Rick Gottman also requested clarification on the fact that he is not a voting member of the council, except when there are tie votes.