Results of the November mayoral election in Granger appear to have showcased deep rifts in the community, the latest manifestation being an uproar over a canceled council meeting.
We'd suggest that before things get buried under a pile of suspicion and suspected ulterior motives, Granger officials call for some objective help in getting their city government running smoothly.
As we reported earlier, some residents were upset that mayor pro-tem Donna Shipman attempted to hold a meeting March 18 that earlier had been canceled by Mayor Ramona Fonseca. Shipman contends that Fonseca didn't legally cancel the meeting, which requires a vote by the City Council and adds the meeting was only a study session anyway -- where business is discussed but no action taken.
Other council members and City Clerk Alice Koerner say former Mayor David Leach -- who was defeated by Fonseca -- used to cancel meetings the same way Fonseca did.
But there are those who question Shipman's motives since she and Councilwoman Lilia Villarreal sought a measure to strip Fonseca of hiring and firing duties just one week after she defeated Leach. Some in the community are talking recall efforts for the two -- certainly a messy, divisive situation that should be the last resort in extreme cases in any community.
So, there are lots of charges and countercharges and way too much suspicion and questioning of motives in Granger. Perhaps what is needed is meaningful education and dialogue on how local government works and how the public can become informed and involved.
The regional vice president of national Latino rights group League of United Latin American Citizens, Maria Salazar of Vancouver, Wash., has established a presence in the community and plans to hold workshops in town to teach residents about public disclosure and the state Open Public Meetings Act. We'd suggest she draw on experts from the state Attorney General's office to provide material and perhaps even backstopping on how both work in this state.
As for how to conduct and cancel council meetings, the Association of Washington Cities is an excellent source of information on all aspects of local government. The AWC Web site (www.awcnet.org), for example, talks of a Certified Municipal Leadership program that "provides mayors and councilmembers in Washington with training in the knowledge and skills required for effective local governance."
One of the workshops might be particularly appropriate in Granger's case, since it explores roles, responsibilities and legal requirements. It includes a workshop for newly elected officials on both the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Disclosure Law.
It might be worth a try in Granger, or anywhere else, in an attempt to achieve public understanding and participation in the workings of local government, as well as helping elected officials and staff gain needed training and information about their jobs.
With education comes communication, apparently something sorely in needed of work in Granger.
It couldn't hurt.
* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins and Bill Lee.
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