Public reacts to resignation

Several Colorado City residents took part in the public comments session during Monday night’s city council meeting, taking the opportunity to voice their opinions about things happening within the city government. The most prevalent theme for the night was allegations that the mayor and some city council members have harassed the last few city managers to the point that they have resigned.

Bob Reily was the first to speak and began by thanking City Manager Pete Kampfer for all he and his employees have accomplished during his time here. “While publicized very little, our city was in a dangerous financial condition when Pete came. Now we are on a firm financial footing,” Reily said. He went on to list several accomplishments made that he believes can be directly attributed to Kampfer.

Reily also stated why he thinks Kampfer has chosen to leave his position here. “The reason we are losing Pete is not Pete, but some on the city council. When three city managers leave in less than three years it is evident that the city council is doing something wrong.”

He urged the council to work with the new city manager when one is hired and to allow him to manage the city as he has been trained to do.
Councilman Keith Hiser also exercised his right to speak. Hiser said that “our city is lacking sustained peace” and admitted that the council has also been lacking a basic rule of law within its chambers. Hiser went on, “I believe that the root of our problems lies within our leadership and the friction we have between ourselves. Over the past months, I have witnessed questionable behavior and disregard for order both within and the solution to the problems, according to Hiser, lie with the focus of the council. “Each and every member of this council must remain focused and steadfast on the task at hand. We may even have our own personal opinions of each other, the city manager and the employees of the city. However, when we represent the people of Colorado City, we must do so in a professional and unbiased manner. We do not have to personally like each other, but we must abide by the laws and rules that we adopt or were previously adopted before us.”

Hollis Gainey passionately scolded the mayor and council for what he perceives as running off “the best city manager we’ve ever had.” He also asked the question on so many minds, “Who would want to come here to be the next city manager?”

Gainey said that Kampfer, as well as others, had been “hassled and heckled until they couldn’t take it.” He also pointed out that no one has addressed the problem up to now. “You can’t see the problem.

You’re blind,” Gainey said referring to council members. “And so are you,” he said pointing to the people in the audience, referring to the citizens of Colorado City.

Mary “Sally” Brown was the next up at the podium. She brought to mind councils of the past, working together for the future of Colorado City. She said that Mitchell County and Colorado City worked together to bring in the prison and state park. “There are some things that need to be revisited,” Brown said, speaking about the county’s proposed desalination plant. She also commended the current council and said, “City council is not a place for the weak.”

Mickey Neff was the final citizen to speak, saying that Kampfer will be remembered because it’s easy to see all he has done for Colorado City.

Kampfer’s last day will be February 21st.