Dear Editor, After more news of payoffs and buyouts regarding
the incidences of last year at City Hall, what doesn
’t surprise me, or anyone who knows Ed Tewes, is to learn that
he does not intend to sue (or negotiate with) the city and its
public officials over the egregious allegations and public
invasions of his personal privacy that have transpired now for more
than a year.
Dear Editor,
After more news of payoffs and buyouts regarding the incidences of last year at City Hall, what doesn’t surprise me, or anyone who knows Ed Tewes, is to learn that he does not intend to sue (or negotiate with) the city and its public officials over the egregious allegations and public invasions of his personal privacy that have transpired now for more than a year.
That is not the kind of man the city hired to manage our humble burg. As such, and given the circumstances, we as a community, in this time of outrage over the actions of others involved in this mess, must show our appreciation.
Simply, this man deserves the support of this town’s constituency. No, he is not elected, but he is entrusted, and accountable, for the management of the community’s public workings and $18 million budget. As a man of conviction and commitment always will, he has been criticized for his positions on matters of public interest. Criticism surrounding valid differences of opinion comes with the job. Slander and defaming innuendo should not.
In this matter, not only is criticism not merited, just the opposite is obligated. He is well deserving of our empathy, support and praise. He has taken the high road through it all and focused on the job at hand – serving the city of Morgan Hill.
He is also owed more than a small note of gratitude. Tewes has said through his actions that enough is enough. Enough spending of taxpayer dollars over matters irrelevant at best, and severely distracting at worst, to the advancement of the community’s callings. Enough already of the name calling, back-room dealings, high-priced lawyers, contentious allegations and equally contentious counter-claims.
Where does it end? In Tewes’ case, on his desk.
It is reasonable to assume that he could have further drained the community’s coffers in negotiating a settlement out of court; shudder to think of the costs if the case wound up going to trial; and woe is our budget if he would have won. It is equally reasonable to assume he would have won. The whole thing would have been a million-dollar case of keystone cops. Laughable, if not so damning in terms of human integrity and more misspent tax dollars. But that chapter seems closed.
Meanwhile, as recent actions have illustrated, we certainly have not heard the end of this sordid tale. More will yet be made of the turmoil at City Hall, its manager, council members and attorneys-at-law too numerous to mention. During the chapters yet to be written, and for the record of events previously documented, though, it is important to note that Tewes has shown the type of leadership we should demand from our city manager. He has avoided the fray, and when it was his turn to speak, he said, through his actions, “Let’s move on. The business of the city is our priority.”
Well done Mr. Tewes. Thanks Ed.
Bob Martin, Morgan Hill
