I wish more people had been present to witness the sad spectacle at the January 12th Orange City Council meeting.  With the minimum notice required by state law for a meeting held during business hours when most people could not attend, the City Council considered the City Manager’s proposal to buy the First Financial Bank building for $2 million and move City Hall there.  The fate of the current City Hall was not addressed.  Not one citizen spoke in favor of this house of cards.  The City Council immediately voted to go into closed session, with only Bill Mello voting against a closed session.  When they came out, there was no open discussion and they unanimously voted for the sale and abandonment of City Hall.  Of everyone in the audience who went to the meeting because of this issue, only the Bank President left satisfied.

It’s not too late – attend the next Council meeting on Jan. 26 at 5:30 pm to make your views known or contact the Mayor and City Council directly.

Leslie Barras

Orange