LETTER: Mayor’s attitude is wrong

Editor,

Mayor Doug Thompson’s brazen attitude toward the wishes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding use of the Logan Tabernacle for Summerfest is alarming. In addition, his philosophy for accomplishing goals via circumvention merits review as well.

In the Feb. 7 Herald Journal, Mayor Thompson was quoted as saying, “In a bureaucracy, there are always other people to ask,” in response to an unequivocal “no” from a local stake president.

What is your plan Mr. Mayor? Solicit every stake president until you get your way? You could go all the way to President Hinckley, and I guarantee you that the stake president’s decision would be honored and upheld. Not only is the mayor’s understanding of civic government flawed, so also is his understanding of LDS ecclesiastical government.

The mayor’s attempts to circumvent the authority and stewardship of the stake president are not only appalling, but disrespectful to that office and the LDS Church.

No means no, Mr. Mayor.

Thomas R. Grover