Speak Outs should not be anonymous

To The Editor:

I have been a pharmacist, and businessman in Poplar Bluff for 55 years and I believe it gives me some responsibility to comment upon the current, somewhat squabble we have going on concerning our city government.

We chose to have a "City Manager" type of government many years ago. One reason we citizens chose this over a citizen elected "Mayor" Type government was to get away from some of the political favoritism which was perhaps occasionally practiced. Another reason for choosing the city manager form was so we could have a person trained in managing city affairs. The citizenry believed that an educated and trained individual would have knowledge and experience that would enable him not only to manage our city government but also to know how, as well as when, to seek outside support and funds.

Whether our previous city manager did or did not perform as expected was decided by a duly elected city council. The citizens voted for each council member in a fair election and they decided to seek a new city manager. We will have an opportunity at the next election to reelect or to elect new council members who will then decide to continue the current manager's contract or not, according to our city ordinances.

There have been mistakes made by all parties involved in the current dispute and there will be mistakes made in the future. It is the duty and function of the "News Media" to hold all parties responsible. There is concern, which I share, among not only the citizens of Poplar Bluff but also those outside the city who utilize our businesses, services, as well as entertainment venues. The DAR should not print opinions that are not signed. The "Speak Out" feature in the DAR was entertaining when we read amusing calls about Bigfoot sightings and whales in Lake Wappapello, etc. However, it currently appears to be used for political purposes. Problems arise when anyone can say anything without signing his/her name to an opinion. The lady from Carter County who had courage enough to sign her name (Speak Out Jan. 29) voiced an opinion that is held by many people.

I would suggest that the DAR, in the interest of Poplar Bluff, revise their policy of allowing opinions to be printed, especially politically motivated opinions, without signatures.

Our city is on a path of expansion that can be either supported by positive thinking, informed, citizenry or slowed by constant sniping of angry unnamed people. There will be disagreement in the future but let us disagree in an identifiable, informed, and gentlemanly fashion.

Newspapers are the greeters for new citizens and I wish our city would be presented more as a construction gang instead of the wrecking crew.

James F. Dille

Poplar Bluff, Mo.

EDITOR'S NOTE: First let us say we have a lot of regard for Jim Dille as a person of integrity and as a successful businessman for many years. While we respect his opinion, we disagree with his overall premise. Yes, some Speak Outs are amusing and even ludicrous at times. However, some offer creditable insight. Were we to require names be attached to each Speak Out we would lose some of that insight. For instance, we know of one physician who is a regular contributor and has major concerns about the direction of the city. He prefers to stay in the background because his position requires a neutral stance as a professional. And how about city employees? There are several we know who have deep concerns but would never voice them for fear of losing their job. The list goes on. We respect Mr. Dille's assertion. It is not something we haven't heard before. But our contention is that Speak Out provides a viable avenue for discourse that is not available in any other venue.)