In response to Ron Mellett's letter in the Jan 14. issue, I would say that he is missing the point.
We had a huge response from citizens opposed to the proposed water meter project. A majority response, asking then-mayor and council for time to review the matter. They utterly ignored the public outcry.
If our democratic right is "only" to vote in people for office, the public would never get any laws amended, or have the ability to improve areas such as human rights and other legislation. This is very much affected by public outcry.
Unions protest existing laws and regulations in an effort for a more democratic work environment. It is part of the process. Women in the U.S. were doing mass demonstrations way back in 1913 in an effort to gain the privilege to vote. We take many things for granted now, as a direct result of public outcry transforming the way we live.
Where the elected officials don't have any respect or regard for the majority opinion, or public outcry, they are soon out of a job. Witness the last election.
I came from a country where the government had total rule over the population, and I was lucky enough to escape that environment, seeking a place where my vote meant something and public opinion does matter.
We aren't voting for someone to rule us, we are voting for civil servants.
We are optimistic about the new mayor and council, and believe that they will welcome ideas from the public on how to improve the City of Grand Forks.
In our democratic system, our voices are heard not only on election day.
Richard Fausten, Grand Forks