Commissioners Richard Pinaire and Al Gordon expressed strong concerns at the conclusion of the Junction City Commission meeting Tuesday night.
Commissioner Richard Pinaire indicated he wants to know the cost of plans for possible projects including the Taylor Road interchange and a slaughter house. Pinaire said he wrote a letter seeking the information and did not receive a good response. He added that he was hopeful that his questions would get answers in the future. He also asked that people be allowed to speak on an item on the agenda in the future, even if it's not a public hearing. Pinaire noted that it makes more sense, and has been done in the past.
Commissioner Al Gordon said in the past week he has reached out to city staff and has not received a response or what he asked for on multiple occasions. Gordon said many people come to him because they don't feel like they have a voice or are heard. He said if he is being treated that way he could only imagine what his constituents and citizens feel in the community. Gordon called it unacceptable. "We signed up for these positions, we got into these positions so this is the call of duty. If you're not with it I think you need to resign or alleviate yourself from being in this position."
JC Post contacted City manager Allen Dinkel who addressed the cost issue by noting that there no plans for a slaughter house. The Taylor Road interchange including discussion of costs will come up at a future commission meeting. Dinkel confirmed that staff do respond too messages and inquiries. He noted Commissioner Gordon wants people to get the answer they want and not the right answer. The city manager added that the staff works for the City including all five commissioners, and not one.
Gordon talked with JC Post and noted that he is not looking for the answers they want but wants people to be answered. Gordon said he has reached out to multiple staff and has had constituents reach out but staff has not responded. "We want him to give an answer. I want full transparency."