Open Forum

Recently, several people applied to serve on the library board, including a library volunteer, and a professional librarian with over 20 years of experience. Both of these people were rejected by the mayor in favor of two other applicants. To my knowledge, neither of the two applicants chosen by the mayor have volunteered at the library, or have any library work experience. One is the sister-in-law of a city councilperson; the other works at the radio station where Mrs. Koep has a weekly on-air show. Can Mrs. Koep, the mayor, or anyone else explain how this was a fair selection process? How does this look for those of us who are not relatives or co-workers of current and former local politicians?

Many good people have given up on trying to volunteer to help their community because they see the selection process as unfair and biased, or they have been rejected because they do not have the right connections.

Let's get the good old boy system out of city hall and move this city into the 21st century.

Ed Shaw

Brainerd