From: Leingang, Cynthia [mailto:CLEINGAN@ci.tacoma.wa.us] On Behalf Of Baarsma, Bill
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 5:03 PM
To: TJ Johnson
Cc: rtalbert@cityoftacoma.org; julie.anderson@cityoftacoma.org; 
bevans2@cityoftacoma.org; jfey@cityoftacoma.org; cladenbu@cityoftacoma.org; 
mlonerga@cityoftacoma.org; spiro.manthou@cityoftacoma.org; 
thomas.stenger@cityoftacoma.org; Anderson, Eric
Subject: RE: March 6 Citizens Forum

Dear Councilmember Johnson:

Thank you for your e-mail.  I appreciate your concern about the incident at 
last night’s Council meeting.  It is important that we hear from our citizens 
about their concerns.  We are careful to allow each citizen time to make 
their presentation, without attempting to judge the priority or the content 
of their concerns.

In order to do this, it is essential for us to establish and maintain an 
orderly process that does assure each citizen their own time.  Unfortunately, 
we have had occasions where one citizen or another has judged their issues 
to be more important than any other.  And, in turn, have attempted to take 
over the process, both from the Council and from other citizens.

We have developed a procedure for addressing this that is consistent with 
due process and our desire to treat each citizen equally.  Last night we 
had to resort to that process.  The presiding officer, Deputy Mayor Rick 
Talbert, acted appropriately and well and in exact accordance with our 
rules and procedures. 

Please be assured that, while we are proud of the professionalism of our 
Police Department, we do not turn a blind eye to any allegations of the 
kind made last night.  At the end of the meeting, Council did request a 
full report from the City Manager, who committed to providing it.  This 
is consistent with our transparent process for all conduct complaints 
concerning city employees.

Our city does have a Citizen’s Oversight Committee and a formal complaint 
process.  This insures that all the rights and interests of all citizens 
are protected.

Sincerely,

Bill Baarsma
Mayor