Tell me why?

Nothing angers me more than reading something that I know is not true. Especially when it is reported in two separate local newspapers.

I am referring to the two articles written by Cassi Lapp, reporter for The Daily Record and The Weekly Vista newspapers, published on Nov. 27, concerning what took place at the Nov. 25 Bella Vista City Council meeting regarding the rezoning and future placement of a body shop in our community.

Ms. Lapp reported that during the meeting, Linda Leffler, a Property Owners Association Board member, "caused a commotion" and "was escorted by police out of the television studio where the meeting was held after the vote."

These two comments are simply not true! I know they are false because I was sitting three seats over from Mrs. Leffler and directly in front of Ms. Lapp and saw everything Ms. Lapp saw in regards to Mrs. Leffler.

What I observed was Mrs. Leffler leaving her seat quietly on two occasions to speak to Mr. Morey, the future owner of the proposed body shop, who was standing in the back of the room, and then returning to her seat in an orderly fashion.

When the majority, or the "block," of five city councilmen, as they are referred to by Ms. Lapp, waived the third reading of the ordinance and voted to rezone Parcel No. 16-406620003 (1754 Forest Hills Blvd.) from C-2 to C-3, a large portion of the audience, including Mrs. Leffler, stood up and left the meeting of their own accord as a show of their displeasure over the City Council's actions.

We all passed by the police officer who was standing at the door. He neither spoke to nor directed anyone on our way out.

Also, please tell me why Ms. Lapp cannot seem to mention City Council Alderman Larry Wilson in her reporting without adding that Linda Leffler, POA Board member, is his sister.

It is acceptable that a person who is a sitting member of the POA may be related to a sitting member of the City Council or vice versa. Bella Vista voters elected them into their respective positions knowing they were related.

Lastly, please tell me why Ms. Lapp continues to label City Council Alderman Wilson as the "one descending vote" rather than the one council member who consistently stands up for and represents his constituents, as he should.

He is the only current City Council member who listens to the voices of the citizens and votes our opinions while the "block" of five city councilmen consistently do as they please, with no regard for the opinions of the citizens of Bella Vista or the future of our community.

Judy Reeves

Bella Vista

Editor's note: Vista Managing Editor Tom Throne attended the meeting and was a witness to what was reported. The Weekly Vista stands by Cassi Lapp's story of Nov. 27.