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LETTER: April 23, 2003 Letter Asking Mayor Peterson to Assist in Obtaining Open Public Process in Business Conducted by Board of Water Works Catherine Burton, President of McANA, sent the following letter to Mayor Bart Peterson. RE: Board of Water Works Dear Mayor Peterson, You may remember that the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations was supportive of the City’s wish to secure ownership of the Indianapolis Water Company when it became available for sale. Although there was some concern about the specific details of the subsequent purchase and administration of the water utility, there was no doubt that public ownership of a public utility was a prudent situation in the best interest of the community. Unfortunately, in the time since that purchase was made, several of those original concerns continue to exist, and the purpose of this letter is to bring one of those to your attention. MCANA is extremely disturbed by what appears to be a deliberate and concerted effort to preclude public questions and comment in the meetings of the Board of Water Works. While there not be a specific legal requirement for such participation, public process is a basic and critical keystone in any government action which purports to be a true government "of the people, by the people and for the people." The Board must certainly retain the ability to conduct business in a productive fashion and, as would any body, choose to determine specific rules and procedures for timely public comments and questions, but it is our position that such a provision MUST be made immediately if this Board is to retain any semblance of trust or credibility with the public it is charged to serve. We hope that your immediate attention to our concerns will help to ensure effective and open public processes in our City government rather than foster an atmosphere which subverts citizen participation. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter. Sincerely,
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