In response to the letter to the Editor submitted by Jack and Robin Rosenberg titled "They Support Mayor Jim Lewis."
The charges filed by the DA's office against Mayor Lewis are mentioned including the circumstances he faces. I have no first hand information about the situation, that being the case I will refrain from comments about it. However charges are one thing and a conviction is another. If convicted of a felony offense, Oklahoma statutes require an elected official's seat be vacated.
The letter lists a number of things that Mayor Jim Lewis has done for our community and the town of Vian. Included is credit for the new walking trail at the Vian City Lake Park. The walking trail and other projects came about because of the efforts of the Vian Charitable Trust. Susan Sullivan and other members asked for and received grants to fund the projects. In addition to Mayor Lewis, all members of the Vian Board of Trustees are due credit. About $50,000 dollars of the public's money was invested to pay Vian's share of the grants. We the People share in the credit.
On the list of Mayor Lewis's accomplishments is: "A profitable police department." The Vian Board of Trustees doubled the fines and encouraged police officers to write more citations. In many cases the "Fine does not Match the Crime." State Highway 82 and U.S. Highway 64 are patrolled frequently. Officers hide in plain site. Minor violations such as no tag light, failure to give turn signal etc can cost an offender in excess of $300. Vian is on national web lists of towns that operate speed traps. Tourists avoid passing through on the way to Lake Tenkiller. A Profitable Police Department is harmful to a community's commerce and well being.
The list indicates: "The Vian Public Works now shows a profit and has a balanced budget." The minimum utility rate was raised from $22.25 to $45.50. The citizens of the Vian Community are due credit for the balanced budget.
It seems to me that Jack and Robin Rosenberg have forgotten that it takes at least three to tango. I thank Mayor Jim Lewis and all members of the Vian Board of Trustees for their efforts and accomplishments.
Manuel L. Spencer
Vian
