Public's Voice Seldom Heard

Dear Editor,
    Sustainability chief Lucia Athens was found seriously floundering when trying to justify her Office of Sustainability before the City Council [“It's Not Easy Being Green,” News, April 5]. Athens, as is the custom of all city staff, raised the drawbridge and immersed herself in city bureaucracy. The public’s voice was seldom heard. With sustainability, however, Ms. Athens has surely missed a bet. There are a score of environmental leaders in this city, all of them immersed in some aspect of sustainability. Their support is there for the asking. They could have fleshed out her programs and been powerful allies in her trial before Council. Outreach to citizens should be the foundation of all staff projects, and the tone should be set by the city manager.