Stephanie Lakatosh | Fountain Hills
Like most people, I really prefer to make eye contact when I’m having a conversation with one of my elected officials. But apparently that’s not how Peggy McMahon feels. By her performance at Town Council meetings, it’s obvious that this skill is not in her wheelhouse.
Numerous times during call to the public, not only does she avert her eyes down onto her desk, but occasionally it appears as if she is actually asleep on the dais! When a speaker asked if McMahon was actually listening, she appeared to be startled and woken up. I couldn’t tell if she was actually asleep or deeply involved with something on her desk that was in front. It could have been disdain for the speaker, but maybe, whatever it was that she was looking at on her desk was more important than listening to the public.
The mayor and vice mayor, along with the other council members, gave the respect to all the speakers that night, with their heads up and eyes on the speaker. That’s how I would expect it to be, regardless if you agreed or disagreed with what was being said.
If Peggy McMahon wishes to serve the public, then why can’t she look at them when their speaking? Or maybe it’s only those she agrees with who will get the benefit of eye contact.
So I ask you, during this election season, should our current Town Council members up for reelection pay attention?
I would expect independent and conservative voters to take note and share my frustration with this. McMahon lost any chance of getting my vote.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
