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In the introduction section of College Park's Operating and Capital Budget for [fiscal] 2010, you find an organization chart. The top level is the "Citizens of College Park." The level under that is the mayor and City Council. This chart clearly shows the mayor and City Council are held accountable to the citizens of College Park and should be working for us.

For several years, this flow has not worked correctly. We have had a mayor who has resorted to an assortment or tactics to get his way. During his tenure, Mayor [Stephen] Brayman certainly has had his favorites on the council. This has been made clear to those who either attend or watch the work sessions and regular meetings. Those who fall short in his eyes are cut off while talking, told to hurry up or called names. Mayor Brayman has even resorted to calling residents of North College Park names when they have opposed him on several positions.

These behaviors are all very childish actions and unbecoming of a mayor. Thankfully, Mayor Brayman is not running for re-election, however, this hasn't put a damper on his childish ways. Mayor Brayman made it clear when he chose not to re-run that he would be more involved with this election than ever. Mayor Brayman has chosen to engage a negative campaign against several current City Council members in hopes that the citizens of College Park would not re-elect them. These council members are ones who look out for the citizens of College Park, which usually means going against Mayor Brayman's desires.

College Park deserves better. Unfortunately, we only have one mayoral candidate, however, several districts have numerous people running for a seat on the City Council. Please remember to go to the polls on Nov. 3 and to vote wisely. Now is the time to correct the flow in College Park.

Diana Claburn, College Park