Letter to the Editor: Matt Little’s Comments Add Little

To the editor:

I'm writing in response to a Council Member Matt Little made. Little wrote, “I have now been in office for nearly 6 months. My vision for the city of Lakeville has been that of safe neighborhoods, strong infrastructure, good schools, and smart policy-making that reduces costs and taxes to the citizens. I look forward to the day when Mayor Bellows and Councilmember Labeau join in this vision.”

Mr. Little, I find comments such as this disrespectful and uncalled for. What does making such a comment do to help the citizens and businesses of Lakeville? Furthermore, you couldn’t be more off the mark about Mayor Bellows’ and Council Member LaBeau’s visions for the city.

Mayor Bellows has been a member of the Lakeville community for many years. He is a father and a family man, raising his family in Lakeville; a local minister, licensed marriage counselor, and an active volunteer with the police department providing Chaplaincy services (a job that many would not want). He also served as a council member for many years. During his service, he has served the city well, and has always put the interest of citizens before the councils and staff.

Council Member LaBeau has lived in, and served Lakeville for over 25 years. Her family has actively brought people into Lakeville for years, providing many citizens’ homes, with a reputation for quality and honesty. Ms. LaBeau is an active member at Crossroads Church, volunteering both her time and financial support. She is also an active Rotarian and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She has been a business owner for over 25 years and has more experience than any other member of the council, planning/managing a budget and running a payroll.

As a side note, during the June 6 Lakeville City Council Meeting, Mr. Little, you stated, "Until the schools start sharing their federal funding with the city, I’m not too interested in, umm, sharing our revenue with the schools.” This comment Mr. Little doesn’t seem to line up with your vision for the city.

Mr. Little, while Mayor Bellows and Council Member LaBeau may not agree with some of your positions and opinions, I believe they have the best interest of all the citizens and businesses of Lakeville in their visions. This has been proven through their years of community service and their willingness to do what is right for Lakeville’s citizens and businesses.

Charlie Gerk, Lakeville