After reading the article in the Deseret News' Readers' Forum eulogizing Larry Smith's tenure as mayor of Sandy, I felt compelled to respond. Smith's term in office was marked with dissension, derision and division among the citizens. His developer-driven policies have almost ruined the city.
I realize that every city needs a tax base to provide the services the citizens require, but this requirement must be tempered by the long-term livability aspirations of the citizenry. There have been numerous instances where the wishes of the citizens were pushed aside in favor of the "Almighty Developer."The other problem centers around the arrogant attitude of Smith and other members of the City Council when dealing with residents.
I remember vividly the night a group of concerned citizens appealed the council's decision to locate the Brunswick "Fun Center," complete with a beer license, in our residential neighborhood.
We paid our fee to appeal the ruling, gathered more signatures, and eagerly awaited our opportunity to present our case to the city fathers at a regularly scheduled council meeting. Imagine our surprise and anger when we were informed that they did not have to listen to our presentation and would not do so.
We left with the declaration that we would remember the way we were treated when election time came around, and we have remembered.
The citizens of Sandy have spoken. I hope all of the elected officials of Sandy hear the message that the citizens of Sandy want our city back from the politicians and developers.
Michael Crook
Sandy