Surprise reader shares perspective on city’s meeting with senators

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OPINION — I read Cali Overs’ recent letter regarding her meeting with U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. In it, she questioned the Surprise mayor and City Council’s meetings with our federal representatives. I’d like to offer some perspective.  

The city of Surprise has long maintained regular communication with the elected officials who represent our community. Those meetings cover a wide range of issues that affect our residents, and they are a normal part of governing. Public officials are not obligated to announce or publicize every meeting they hold or every conversation they have.

I know she likes to post about everything she does but serious people do not. Much of the important work of government happens quietly, through collaboration and ongoing relationships.

She also questioned why the mayor spoke on behalf of the City Council. That is precisely how local government is designed to function. The mayor serves as the city’s chief representative and speaks on behalf of the council when conducting official business with other elected leaders.

While her meeting with the senators focused on the proposed ICE detention center, that was only one of many issues facing the city of Surprise. The mayor and council had numerous topics affecting our growing community to discuss, including economic development, transportation, public safety, infrastructure and federal partnerships, in addition to the detention center.

I appreciate seeing young people become involved in public affairs. Civic engagement is essential, and fresh perspectives are valuable. However, effective leadership also requires humility and a willingness to listen before drawing conclusions.

I have witnessed her make a lot of assumptions in public lately. I believe most of them are wrong and they come from her limited perspective. Experience is gained over time by observing, asking thoughtful questions and learning how government actually operates.

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