In response to the Auburn Reporter’s front page articles on March 16 and 23, and the continued harassment of City Council member Largo Wales: When will the press stop this attack of a community leader and volunteer? Especially since there are no founded council actions taken at this time. This smacks with “second guess” journalism.

I’m in my 15th year on the City Council and the senior member, I’m appalled and saddened by the course of actions on council members and the Auburn community. The council does have communication problems and direction within its core. My family has lived in this city since mid-1970. I’m disheartened at the direction and decision-making by this council.

I don’t condone the comments made by Council member Wales at a recent council meeting. But, in her defense, I also was a victim of Council member John Holman’s haranguing and backroom politics. For example, in a May 22, 2017 council study session on the topic of a new deputy mayor selection process, Holman told me that I was “self serving” in the discussion process. In another meeting, I was told by Holman that I was “getting into the weeds,” meaning I was asking too many questions. Don’t I represent the people of Auburn?

I also was subject to Holman’s whims of “point of order” on several occasions in meetings. Was I frustrated by these catalyst actions? Indeed, I was.

In defense of Wales, frustration sets in after many interruptions by an esteemed colleague, and one may lose their cool. Wouldn’t it be nice for the people of Auburn who have elected us to have a stable City Council?

– Bill Peloza, City Council member