Former Medina mayor accepts apology, urges respectful and rationale dialogue of issues

Posted 27 February 2017 at 9:43 pm

Editor:

Karen Jones offered a letter to this forum containing a personal and public apology to me for statements she made during our Medina village dissolution discussion from 2013-2015. (Click here to see “Medina resident apologizes to former mayor for public criticism when village faced dissolution.”)

I humbly accept it with appreciation.

Karen, your actions exhibit class and courage.

You and I agree that facts matter – now, more than ever. Getting them straight, even more.  This is the foundation of rational, deliberative decision making. Without it, fear can quickly consume us. It manifests in rumor, innuendo, gossip and general negativity. You are wise to recognize the difference and correct course.

The greater responsibility, however, lies with those among us who incite fear – and divide us – to exert or preserve power. Sadly, this often makes villains of new ideas that may improve our community and the lives of our friends and neighbors.

Karen, you remain resolute in your stance on consolidation, and reaffirm your commitment to the facts in reaching your conclusion. This I respect. With the community’s greater good mutually at heart, I look forward to more policy discussions, and hope you will remain open to being persuaded. As will I.

Andrew W. Meier

Medina