The issue isn't the selling of Arbor Park to developers, though it would be a great loss to the community if the park were removed. The issue is the worry that elected officials violated the public trust.
Individuals were entrusted to administer the park for the well-being of Grand Forks and to help build a healthy and vibrant community. To administer it otherwise degrades the office holder, because the action shows self-interest rather than upholding the civic trust and serving the public good.
I know that violating the public trust by giving into greed, favoritism or special interests is now an accepted ways of doing business. That does not make it right.
Anyone holding public office should have the integrity to honor that trust while carrying out the office's responsibilities.
Violating the public trust is indefensible. And perpetrators, having proven untrustworthy, must answer to those who had given their trust.
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Bradford Hansen-Smith
Grand Forks