To the editor:

Having resided in Northfield for more than 55 years I was not taken by surprise when I read the letter, “Council meeting lacked professionalism, protocol” submitted by Debbi Ringer Doherty. Deja vu would be a more accurate reaction.

City Council President Tim Carew singing the praises of Richard Gerber, even after he submitted an incomplete JIF application that contained a bid higher than C.J. Adams and several other companies, smacks of “pay to play.” By that I charge that Mr. Gerber has paid his dues as a loyal member of the “old” Republican Club and served as a City Council member, along with Carew, for many years, sitting in the same position as Tim Carew, City Council president.

If Carew had a minute degree of principle he would have recused himself from participating because there is a very tiny degree of separation between the present City Council president and the past City Council president. I believe the situation was riddled with conflict of interest that also included the City Council attorney, who (and I stand to be corrected) is also a member of the “old” Republican Club.

What am I missing here? Zero. Mrs. Doherty is preaching to the choir when she suggests that residents wake up and start watching the actions of some (not all) elected officials who are supposed to represent Northfield citizens honorably.

I am registered Independent and have never been a member of any political organization. That’s my caveat.

Ruth Washburn

Northfield