No reasons for positivity

Dear editor: Re: Offer solutions, not criticisms, Herald, Letters, Oct. 27

In response to Mr. Glenn Thompson’s letter I would offer the following.

I was always led to believe that “to give credit where credit is due” was the right thing to do. I still believe that to this day. However, I don’t believe in giving praise for the sake of giving praise because someone or something feels that it should be as a matter of course.

If there are things that really stand out, give positive feedback. How can there be positivity if the original promises, plans of action et al have not been met or have been ignored?

However, having said that, I make reference to our current city council. Again!

I would ask Mr. Thompson if he recalls the overall pre-election platform of many of the members of the current council.

To refresh everyone’s memory, these candidates put forth the watchwords of: accountability; openness; transparency and fiscal responsibility.

My next question to Mr. Thompson might be, How does one find positivity when most of these promises seemed to be piein-the-sky to get elected promises and fell short; were not met or were otherwise forgotten?

It gives credence to the saying, “Tell the truth, so that next time you see or meet someone, you won’t have to remember what you said!”

In fairness to Mr. Thompson’s premise of giving praise, I agree with him. Give it when it is warranted and only then. Thus far, I have not found many areas that justify positivity and deserving of credit where credit is due with reference to this council and its members.

In summary, while Mr. Thompson and I agree on the aspects of our basic democratic freedoms, we differ in our terms