I wanted to thank Howard Botts for his sincere support of Black Diamond and its current governing body. As Black Diamond’s mayor for over 26 years, Mr. Botts can speak with authority and intimate knowledge of our city’s government and future development with YarrowBay.

I have never been one to get involved in politics. However, as a Black Diamond resident for 60 years, I have a vested interest in how this community thrives and survives. I am speaking out now as I feel this proposed change to our city’s form of government will not be in the best interest of our community and my home.

These are troubled times. Many people are unhappy with some of the plans for future development with the planned communities/YarrowBay. However, changing the structure of our city’s government to include a city manager in place of a mayor is not going to resolve any issues, only add confusion. Maintaining the control with elected officials with vested interests in their community, such as the mayor and council members, maintains consistency and keeps Black Diamond in the hands of the community – our community. We, as citizens, do not need the added expense of hiring a city manager and reserve the right to change our mayor or council members during regular elections. Hiring a city manager, from within or outside our community, is an added expense we do not need to undertake.

Let’s keep level heads and not be reactionary. Hasty decisions tend to have poor results.

Lynda Maks

Black Diamond