Praise for Gregor; Anger at City Government

Editor,
    Thanks for Katherine Gregor’s excellent report on Austin neighborhood planning and how our planning compares to Seattle’s [“Developing Stories,” News, June 15]. Gregor makes clear that the words of City Council members and the city manager promising open government and empowering neighborhoods don’t match reality. I hope Ms. Gregor will explore for Chronicle readers why we find ourselves in this sad state of affairs.
    Why have transparent city government online when you can win an award for your dysfunctional website and fool voters? Why not grab large quantities of developer campaign dollars and side with developers every time when the local media will ignore who elected you and what you are actually doing to our city? Just repeat how smart, green, neighborhood-friendly and committed to quality of life we are and your quotes will make it so. Re-election is in the bag. And just look at all the awards on our shelf. We’re the best. Didn’t Ms. Gregor get the memo?