In his Dec. 5 letter, Steven Biel says that “instead of complaining to the Press Herald” about Mayor Ethan Strimling, we should listen to the voters, as the mayor has allegedly done in his tenure. “That’s the only way Portland will come together,” Mr. Biel says.

Shouldn’t Mr. Biel and the mayor do the same thing they are espousing to bring people together, rather than trashing the city manager, City Council and people who may not agree with their position on issues? This hypocritical approach fosters selective listening, not inclusiveness.

Further, Mr. Biel criticizes City Manager Jon Jennings for his Cape Elizabeth residency when, in fact, he lives in Portland. Mr. Biel also accuses Mr. Jennings of trying to shut down the sale of Congress Square Park when he wasn’t even the city manager at the time of that decision.

Most offensive is his suggestion that Mr. Jennings doesn’t care about the residents of Portland. An honest assessment shows otherwise, given the outstanding leadership, responsiveness and new direction set by the manager to address identified community needs and refocus the city on service. He is getting things done!

Fortunately, we have a city manager who understands managing a city, setting expectations, making daily operational decisions as defined by his job description and the city charter.

He understands that policy is made by the nine City Council members, who ultimately vote up or down on policy issues. One can agree or disagree with those decisions, but civility should rule the day even though one’s ideology may conflict with the decision made by the folks we elected to represent us.

Mr. Biel has every right to state his opinion; however, misrepresentations to make a point serve no purpose. Perhaps pursuing a more honest, respectful political posture is in order, since “that’s the only way Portland will come together.”

Cheryl Leeman

former mayor and city councilor

Portland