In an unfortunate setting created by atrocious legislation (SB84), two political activists with a penchant for control regardless of consequences are about to fire John Pingree from his position as manager of the UTA.

Whether it is partially a Democrat/Republican power play, partially a latent desire to micromanage, partially an old-fashioned testosterone need - or just totally stupid - is neither clear nor important. What is clear and important is that two past political party chairmen are about to make an unconscionable mistake. If Horiuchi and Berman pull this travesty off, it will indicate once and for all that they care not one whit for the public good.Comparing Pingree's performance with the county government's remarkable record is no comparison at all. Everyone knows that county politicians have rarely been good managers. Pingree's head on a tray would be about the same caliber as the other accomplishments of the County Commission.

John Pingree is an unusually capable and needed individual. Unfortunately, strong and talented leaders always spawn jealousy and controversy. It likewise takes a wise leader (or leaders) to recognize greatness and then encourage and direct it. Incompetent leaders, by comparison, get rid of the strong leader. In this controversy, there are public figures other than Pingree who are not essential. It would seem that the wrong person is taking the hit.

As a minimum, before they fire Pingree, isn't the public entitled to have the politicians identify a specific and viable alternative to replace this proven manager? I would think that the song "Send in the Clowns" says it best, except that they are obviously already on the scene.

William L. Christensen

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Woodland, Summit County

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