Shaffer to Brainard: Taking responsibility is your job

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Dear Editor:

Fred Swift’s article (Carmel calls off demolition, Sept. 10, 2021) reported the Carmel mayor said he took responsibility for the Rotary Club memorial amphitheater demolition and, later, non-demolition.

What the mayor forgot to say was, “I’m sorry and will make amends.”

Yes, the mayor took responsibility. He couldn’t shake it. It’s his job. He’s responsible for whatever happens or doesn’t happen on his watch.

That’s the price of holding public office.

Apologizing and setting things straight are optional.

The mayor’s also responsible for the sexual harassment scandal, the $1.3 billion city debt, the mismanagement of the $40 million hotel that actually cost $58.5 million, and much, much more. He hasn’t apologized or said how he’ll set things straight in these matters, either.

No doubt the mayor’s convenient omission of a heartfelt apology will have consequences.

Carmel Rotary Club members will think twice before volunteering to stage CarmelFest 2022 or any other civic amusement dependent upon volunteers.

Bill Shaffer

Carmel