Editor:

We would like to thank Bountiful’s current city officers for the service they have extended to our community and recognize their efforts to make Bountiful the excellent city that it is. We applaud the following statement by Councilman Marc Knight and Councilwoman Beth Holbrook from their editorial of July 2, 2009: “We as Bountiful City Council members believe that the value of democracy lies in the ability of individuals to discuss issues and not always agree.” It is in this spirit that we, along with many other Bountiful citizens, met on June 18 with the Coalition of Ethics and Accountability in Government (CEAG). There we heard from and about new candidates for the city offices. We believe it is essential for citizens to organize and participate in the long established tradition in our nation — to give voters a real choice between outstanding candidates for public office.

Unfortunately, anything said in favor of the contenders may be construed to reflect unfavorably on the incumbents. That is the nature of opposition. However, having attended the meeting referred to, we can state that any reference to our city’s current officers made by CEAG or the candidates was done so with respect.

Thus it is with great disappointment that we read the editorial signed by Councilman Marc Knight and Councilwoman Beth Holbrook, “Accusations are unfounded.” We are dismayed that such a negative spin was made of our grassroots effort to strengthen our local government. We believe that good government begins at the family and community level and that our city, state and nation are stronger for the people’s participation.

There were numerous, prominent citizens in attendance, who spoke in support of the candidates, Jeff Novak, Phill Wright and Eric Hattabaugh. Each was polite and professional. When he spoke, Mr. Novak praised Mayor Johnson for his eight years of dedication to Bountiful. He praised Mr. Knight, who was in attendance, recognizing his personal integrity and efforts as a hardworking member of the city council and noted his honorable service as a member of the United States Army. Had Mrs. Holbrook been present she would have been treated with equal esteem. We do not understand how members of the city council could construe this as “a cesspool of groundless innuendo on vague ethical allegations.”

The “vague ethical allegations” were, in fact, not allegations at all but Mr. Novak’s promise to demand as much of himself as he does any other public official. He has been a champion of ethics reform in Utah. He studied the ethics commissions in 40 states and developed a proposal for the establishment of an independent ethics commission that was presented to the Governor and members of both parties.

Mr. Novak outlined his plan to establish Utah’s first ethics committee in Bountiful. In so doing, he stated that if elected, he would insist on being held publicly accountable for his actions and conduct and would not hide behind closed doors.

This was a statement of fact concerning his character and how he would conduct himself as mayor and not an inference that our current city officers operate behind closed doors.

We would also like to set the record straight concerning the attack made by Councilman Knight and Councilwoman Holbrook upon Mr. Novak’s volunteer service.

Eleven months ago, Mr. Novak voluntarily joined the Bountiful post of the American Legion. In the short time he has been in the legion, Mr. Novak drafted a proposal, worked with Mr. Tom Hardy, our City Manager, and presented an ordinance which the city passed to allow our Army Guard and Reserve community members to receive a $75 month rebate on their utility bills while deployed to a war zone.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our city council for passing this proposal. Thus it can hardly be said that the “community activities are largely dormant despite his (Mr. Novak’s) association.”

Mr. Novak, as a volunteer citizen, has fought valiantly to prevent a dangerous change to our alcohol landscape not only in this community, but in this state. He testified before the DABC commission four times against the liberalization of alcohol.

He was there at both House and Senate hearings to speak against this action on behalf of the families and children who will fall victim to alcohol related accidents and injuries. Mr. Novak puts the welfare of people before profit.

We, like thousands of other residents, participate in many of the city-sponsored activities mentioned in “Accusations are unfounded.” Many of us, including Mr. Novak, are currently working with local citizens to bring a Constitution Fair to Bountiful.

What is more, for three years Mr. Novak voluntarily served as the assistant to the co-chairmen of Bountiful Handcart Days, giving hundreds of hours in planning and executing this great event for the city. Mr. Novak was one of the first recipients at Hill Air Force Base of the Air Force Voluntary Service Medal for over 5,000 hours of community service, much of which benefited this state.

As to the founding of CEAG, the council representatives were incorrect. Mr. Novak and Mr. Wright were invited by a group of concerned citizens to attend a civic meeting. Over many weeks, the organization developed, outlined its mission and purpose and then those citizens elected Mr. Novak as CEAG’s first chairman.

The commentary of “Accusations are unfounded” illustrates how it is only natural to react to perceived criticism. It is also natural to expect better of our leaders.

This is the type of politics CEAG is trying to improve through civility, understanding and cooperation. This is why we are supporting new leadership. We hope that in the future, people who “believe that the value of democracy lies in the ability of individuals to discuss issues and not always agree” will be treated with greater respect by our elected officials.

Natasha Boren, Bountiful

and 19 other residents