Dear Wellington City Council:

Cool it!

Please put to rest this absurd, stupid, and absolutely unnecessary controversy surrounding council member Kip Etter and his supposed resignation, forced step down or whatever you want to call it.

It is clear from the video that Etter’s verbal resignation was done in haste and in a fit of anger, with little forethought.

So why not treat it as such? Ignore it and move on.

It is disappointing that Etter chose to behave this way, which is not worthy of the position that is bestowed upon him. There seems to be troubling repeated behavior for a man who has progressive and forward thinking ideas. I can only hope that Etter develops a sense of humility as he moves forward. I, myself, am willing to forgive him for past transgressions, because of his leadership potential of the future.

It is also disappointing that Vince Wetta, a man I admire for his years of civil service, decided to shirk protocol and take matters in his own hand by hiring at-the-time prospective city manager candidate Shane Shields without the consultation of the full city council body. It was an arrogant move.

It is disappointing the council never could come up with an orderly process in the first place for this important decision of hiring a city manager.

It is disappointing that Mayor Shelley Hansel took it upon herself by telling Etter to step down when it appears through research she does not have the legal authority to do so.

It is disappointing that Wellington City Attorney Mike Brown could not provide a more thorough legal opinion for Hansel to act upon.

It is disappointing that Hansel has allowed this controversy to manifest itself. It is her job to keep control of the meetings, and to put insignificant issues to rest before they get out of hand.

It is disappointing this council can’t follow an agenda.

It is disappointing that in a time in which the city council has so many issues it needs to confront — whether it be budgetary shortfalls, aging infrastructure, falling buildings, raw water, or anything else that rears its ugly head — that it would allow itself to be sidetracked by a petty insignificant squabble.

It is disappointing that by continuing this irrelevant controversy, the council risks another round of humiliating coverage from outside media sources.

It is disappointing no one seems to realize the removal of Etter will only result in another round of political posturing from would be candidates, which could turn into another round of Facebook babbling if the right person is not supposedly chosen.

It is disappointing that you, the council, seem not to realize that your credibility is at stake when you focus on trite, trivial manners.

It is disappointing that any new development in this particular issue will result in wasted energy; time better served on subjects that actually mattered.

It is disappointing that this episode even occurred. It is beneath you.

It is time to move on. Allow Etter back on the seat and pretend like the whole thing never happened.

You have bigger issues to worry about.

Sincerely yours,

Tracy McCue, publisher of Sumner Newscow.

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