TO THE EDITOR:

I am one of those ìcity idiotsî that moved to Harris in 1995 with no clue about rural city government until I read the local papers. I was stunned to learn about embezzlement, overdue bills, screaming fights at the city hall, no city ordinances, mayors in, mayors out. What did we receive from all that? I believe it was higher local taxes and little community improvement.

When I heard there was going to be a city hall meeting at the Harris fire station and the topics of discussion, I was curious and wanted to know if this mayor was going to be any different or hear the dreadful news of higher taxes. I must say I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when I heard there is actually money in the bank, bills are being paid, books balanced, city ordinances in place, new water treatment facility in the works and a plan for the future. Wow!

I do not know the mayor, city staff or city council but I cannot imagine they would turn the city of Harris into a stockyard with this proposed plan. The mayor invited everyone to sign up to take part of the plan but only a handful of residents put their name down. If you want a say in the future of Harris, then doesnít it make sense to take part in the planning instead of assuming the worst? The plan may or may not work, all I know is someone is finally moving forward and thinking about the future of Harris.

So my vote is to stop bickering, the name-calling and start listening. Someone other than us may just have the answer.

Diana Gagne
Harris