she is cleared of the charges she was been arrested on. There is a
clear conflict of interest, and any votes she makes could be
challenged in the future if she indeed is forced to resign.
KARL DAHLQUIST
Burbank
Dear Councilwoman Murphy,
It is in the best American tradition to consider people innocent
until proven guilty, but after hearing and seeing many differing
opinions over the last several days, I must put in my two cents
worth.
Since the City Council is, essentially, a non-paid office (yes,
there is some reimbursement and honorariums), there is no salary
issue hanging in there.
It would thus probably be in the best interests of the city and
yourself, that you should step down from membership on the council in
order to concentrate your efforts in your defense, and since it would
be distracting, to say the least, from each and every council meeting
to have to defend yourself from the audience (which, to say the
least, is hostile).
This action would allow the remainder of the council and your
successor to comfortably conclude the business of the city free of
any distractions and any possible "taint," which, I am sure you know,
will now be brought up continuously until any trial or proceeding is
concluded (and beyond). The "taint" referred to is any suggestion of
"using the office" to avoid anything.
Since this situation has virtually destroyed any further political
aspirations you might have had, it will always be brought up
regardless of positive or negative outcome, why not exit graciously
and conserve your energies for what comes next.
May I suggest that the candidate from the last election (Michael
Bergfeld) with the next highest number of votes, be appointed to
serve either the full remaining term or until the next election (the
council can vote on this unless statute exists -- I don't know).
This would allow full concentration of our council on the various
issues that concern our city and allow your full concentration on
your individual issues and children without distractions.
Thank you for your services to the city.
JAMES C. FRANZ
Burbank
