Letters: Questionable actions and motives

EDITOR,
It is amazing, and sometimes jaw-dropping, the words that come out of a politician’s mouth. I am, of course, referring to Randy Johnson’s summation of his two years in office as mayor of Scotts Valley (“Two good years with more to come,” Letters, Jan. 8). I wish others could pat him on the back as much as he pats his own in the previous Press-Banner.
In his own words: “We have a great Town Center plan that’s approved and controlled by the city.” Since when did Scotts Valley become Russia, where the party owns and controls the development? I thought there were private developers for development?  
Johnson says, “While I was mayor, the City Council voted to move Suburban Propane from Mount Hermon Road.” Maybe this is Russia? The council used the people’s tax money for their pet project to buy overpriced land in hopes of launching the Town Center. For the good of the community, and as a taxpayer, I hope the Town Center becomes real at some point.
Also in his own words, “But, most of all, I feel good that the city has upheld its reputation for transparent government.” Huh? This is the same City Council that threatens police action during public comment, shows a blatant disregard for the Brown Act and that voted to subsidize a private organization for three years, of which some are current or former members. This is transparency in action?
I applaud those who volunteer to help improve Scotts Valley and the community at large. However, I question politicians’ actions and motives when they are self-serving. Have the elected officials of Scotts Valley truly reached out to the community in the past few years? Or only in their minds?