During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the transparency and ethics of the city manager's actions related to the condemnation of Veterans Park. A local resident, who was solicited to speak in favor of the project, expressed frustration over the selective gathering of public comments, suggesting that the city manager's approach was biased and did not represent the views of the broader community.

The speaker highlighted that many working-class and low-income residents, who make up a substantial portion of the community—60% of children are on free or reduced lunches—were not adequately consulted. They argued that the promised economic benefits of the project, including upscale shopping and luxury condos, would not be accessible to these residents, leading to feelings of anger and exclusion when informed about the project's tax implications.

The resident questioned whether council members were aware of the city manager's role in soliciting a narrow range of public comments, implying that this could undermine the integrity of the council's decision-making process. The speaker called for accountability, urging the council to clarify the city manager's responsibilities in this context.

Additionally, other community members voiced their concerns about fiscal responsibility, with one resident advocating for a more conservative approach to tax spending and urging the council to lower the proposed budget. This sentiment reflects a growing demand for transparency and inclusivity in local governance, as residents seek assurance that their elected officials are prioritizing the needs of all constituents.