Sometimes I wonder if the folks who read what I write actually read what I write. (Bad structure but I can only re-write something so many times.)

I’ve penned a couple commentaries lately where folks thought I was writing about the billboard deal that the City Council of Santa Clarita approved. That was not the subject at all. My topic was all about Councilman TimBen Boydston deciding that being a council member is like a role he would play on the stage at the Canyon Theater Guild. He says his lines and then he can close the curtain and walk out into the audience. Maybe he wants to see himself speak the lines.

I wasn’t writing about telling Boydston or anyone that he couldn’t speak at any time. I served too long supporting the First Amendment. So I ask that you folks who made comments that I was trying to stop free speech to read what I wrote again. That I happen to agree with the billboard deal is my right and opinion.

Now the same comment also stated that a proper answer for me in the Navy when given an order was to say, “Yes Sir.” After doing so, I could ask why and state my reasons for not wanting to carry out an order. I would probably still have to do what I had been told, but I could still disagree … to a point.

I wasn’t saying that folks don’t have the right and responsibility to protest what they might think is a wrong decision by the City Council. I support that 100 percent.

Now for the other comments I’ve received (also from folks who thought I was writing about billboards, and some who got the point I was making), for example: “I didn’t know that the petition would block the removal of the 60 some billboards” and, “If this delays the deal, not only do we have to pay for the additional election costs, but we also will not get the additional revenue and that could be over half a million dollars.”

Here in California, we are blessed with our referendum process. Other states do not have such a tool for the people to use directly. I tend to think we use it a little too often and a little to quickly. Quick on the draw doesn’t mean it was the right fight to get involved in, and I hope the folks know they might have shot themselves in the foot.

That said, I cannot argue with the right of the people to do what they did. I applaud the efforts they made. Let’s see what happens next.

Boydston has been given a gift by his fellow citizens to be our councilman. I cannot see the need for him to change his “status” at any time and be called “citizen.” He is that, and as a councilman he has a bully pulpit whenever he want to speak on any subject at any place. That is his right, duty and responsibility. So TimBen, be a councilman 100 percent of the time. Please don’t resort to cheap theater tricks and make a show of switching between the roles, because they are not roles on a stage.

I’ve stated before that I believe the most important part of government starts at the local level as a member of City Council or maybe a city commission. There is heavy responsibility to speak and do what is best when one has been elected or appointed to a position in local government. It is a mantle to be worn with pride. To cast it away on a whim does a disservice to those who elected or appointed you.

Most of all, I hope all members of Santa Clarita City Council feel free to speak on any subject at any time, and always as a member of the council. We placed our trust in all of you.

Thank you.

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com and his commentaries are archived at DManzer.com. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].