Letter to the editor:
`Following the rules'

I was greatly disappointment to see the Statesman use a heading in last week's Opinion section that read, "Secrets in Chandler?", but I was not surprised that the Letter to the Editor was from Howard Taliaferro.

My family has lived in this wonderful community for almost 12 years, and during much of this time, we have heard rants from Mr. Taliaferro about all of the "secretive " and "illegal" things that the Mayor, City Council Members, and employees of Chandler are doing.

It was such rumors and innuendoes that moved me to start attending City Council meetings so that I could see for myself "what was in store for the folks that live here and pay taxes" (as Mr. T. would say). I'm pleased to announce that I did not find his concerns to have merit.

Mr. Taliaferro stated in his recent letter, "The meeting that was held last Thursday night was on the borderline of being an illegal meeting, and one thing for sure, it was the most secretive that has ever been held since I have been in Chandler." This was a "Special" council meeting held on August 2, and like all others, the Agenda was posted well in advance on July 25th and was open to the public.

It was "Special" because we needed some additional "work sessions" to get the budget prepared for our fiscal year which begins in October, and all of that can not be done during one regular monthly meeting. At this time we also had an Executive Session which, according to Tx Govt Code, Section 551.074, allows us to deliberate on the appointment, employment, evaluation, and/or duties regarding personnel.

This time is necessary as we discuss the employees that will be working for the City during the new budget year. Tx Govt Code, Section 551.071, also allows us to consult with the City Attorney regarding contemplated litigation.

It is a time for us to ask questions of our attorney and listen to his words of advice. There was no action to be taken on this item. Mr. Taliaferro implies in his letter that we are keeping secrets by not coming out of Executive Session and telling the public what we discussed, and we are "borderline illegal" for following the rules that our State has set forth in these situations.

The City of Chandler Council Members and employees will continue to follow the rules of the Texas Government Code, and when action is taken on a subject, it will become public record for all citizens to see.

It is with great honor and pleasure that for the past 7 years, I have served you and the City of Chandler as a member of the Council. Council Members leave our families in the evening to attend not only our regular monthly meetings, but sometimes emergency meetings, Planning & Zoning meetings, Economic Development meetings, and budget workshops.

Sometimes we're called on to attend bid openings, to represent our community when a dignitary comes to town, or to meet with a citizen of Chandler to examine a concern. Our job doesn't take place once a month, we're available to you every day. We don't get paid for our time, reimbursed for our gasoline, or even receive a complimentary ham at Christmas. We get paid the satisfaction of serving our community and neighbors, and moving this fine city in a direction that will make it strong and healthy for future generations.

Ann Hall, Chandler