Petition for the Restoration of Zoom Meeting Access for Dillingham Stakeholders and Citizens

To Mayor Alice Ruby and the Dillingham City Council:

We, the undersigned citizens and stakeholders of Dillingham, respectfully submit this petition urging the reinstatement of public participation in City Council meetings via Zoom. This option, previously available to our community, was removed during the summer of 2024 by Acting City Manager Dan Decker.

Recent events underscore the importance of accessible communication between our city's leadership and its citizens. At the most recent City Council meeting, the newly hired City Manager attended virtually via Zoom, while the public was denied the same opportunity. This discrepancy raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in our local government.

Additionally, the City Manager’s appearance at the meeting—wearing a sleeveless undershirt—has sparked discussions among citizens regarding professionalism and respect for our community. This is particularly troubling given that he was awarded a three-year contract with a significant compensation package (approximately $150,000 annual salary and over $20,000 in benefits), funded by taxpayer dollars.

The lack of a public announcement regarding the hiring of the City Manager, leaving citizens to learn about it through social media, is unacceptable. Mayor Alice Ruby's statement, “I think for the most part, the council just wanted to see us get the position filled and move on,” reflects an alarming disregard for public engagement and the trust we place in our leaders.

As concerned citizens, we find it troubling that this same official has generated thousands of dollars in legal fees due to his mismanagement of the city, secured a three-year contract amidst public opposition, and demonstrated a lack of responsiveness to requests for transparency. These actions undermine our confidence in the leadership of our city.

We believe that restoring the option for public participation via Zoom is essential for fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and open communication. We urge the Dillingham City Council to reconsider its decision and prioritize the voices of its citizens.

We, the undersigned, stand united in our request for the following actions:

1. Immediate restoration of Zoom access for public participation in City Council meetings, with this option included on City Council meeting agendas.
2. A commitment to transparency and professionalism from city leadership.
3. Regular updates and press releases regarding significant city decisions and appointments, published on the city's website and shared with the media.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt action in restoring communication and fostering a more inclusive environment for all citizens of Dillingham.