There are times and circumstances that warrant the firing of public officials, elected or appointed. The terminations of city managers Chuy Garcia, Bill Lewis, Karen Phillipi, and Jessica Garza were, in my opinion, appropriate exercises of council authority, and were executed with very extensive public discussion of the reasons for the action. In some instances public opinion was divided, and views were aired in large public meetings.

This was not the case with the terminations of Erik Zimmer and Cynthia Salas. At the first full meeting of a council with two newly elected members, a motion was made, seconded, and passed with absolutely no discussion despite the clearly articulated warnings of then City Attorney Wilson. In doing so they have deprived citizens of Alpine of very effective leadership, and refused to provide any reasons whatsoever in support.

In his column of June 10, Mayor Ramos referred to mysterious motives of former Councilman Stephens with some very odd speculation. No mystery there, nor as to the outrage felt by a great many citizens at this mysterious council action.

The city charter provides a remedy for outrageous actions by elected Council members and Mayors - the direct democracy device of recall.

Dale Christophersen Alpine