Roberts maintains grace under pressure

The July 18 Medical Lake City council meeting had a full house. All went fine until the second reading of a proposed code on fire pits was scheduled to be read.

At the June meeting, Councilwoman Jessica Roberts made a motion to table the proposal due to lack of notice. It failed with no second.

At the July meeting, City Administrator Doug Ross asked Roberts in a belittling way, in my opinion, if she now had enough time to do her reading. She didn’t lose composure, answered yes, and preceded to school all in the chamber with just how flawed the proposal was. Under tough questioning from Doug Ross, she didn’t waiver.

Further, she proved without a doubt nothing new was there. It is already covered in International fire codes, RCWs, and WACs. The city attorney Cindy McMullen told Roberts violations would not cause an arrest. Prepared, Roberts reminded her that at the June meeting she told all that violation would be a misdemeanor, an arrestable offense. The city attorney backed down when Roberts cited international fire codes.

In great form, Roberts stated facts, listed flaws and viable solutions. Her new motion to send it back to committee was seconded by Councilwoman Laura Parsons, a mayoral candidate. I think the temperature in the room increased 10 degrees.

Lines were drawn, with Councilman John Paikuli agreeing it was flawed, but would not cross over to fact and reason and rather opted to shove it forward. Motion failed, so another mayoral candidate, Councilwoman Shirley Maike, who was pushing at the June meeting for the first reading, got her way.

Roberts, a diamond in the rough, never lost her cool, even in defeat. My opinion is, it is disgusting when laws are ignored to stroke another’s ego. More class on Roberts part is she spoke with all that wanted her time after the meeting and even sent thank yous to all in attendance, with out one negative word.

Kudos, Councilwoman Jessica Roberts, Thank you for being a true public servant.

Ted Olson

Medical Lake