Much as I enjoy where I live, I’m disappointed at times in the ‘small town’ mentality that I sometimes run into here. It’s doubly sad when that attitude comes at the hands of our town leaders. Here is the case of man who wanted to move to North Bend and bring his established business with him. The problem? His business is tattoos.

No matter how you read the details, the city council’s actions on this issue are troublesome at best. Mr. Herman dealt honestly and openly with the city. His clear intent was to operate within the framework of the law. The city itself verified that his business, as intended, was allowed under current regulations. They knew he was moving forward, expending money and effort to bring his business to North Bend, based on the information he had been provided.

There was no ‘emergency’. There was no ‘underlying code’ issue — that had been clarifed by the city’s legal counsel. So why did it take the city three weeks after that clarification to tell Mr. Herman there might be an ‘issue’? These are not indications of a professionally run council. They are more often signs of petty, small town politics. I sincerely hope that is not the case here.

Mr. Herman has an established business, with well-known local clientele who would very likely bring additional revenue to town. Given the city’s poor handling of this issue, I believe Mr. Herman deserves better — and another chance.

And I believe the city council owes us an honest, legitimate explanation for their actions.

Bruce Sullivan

North Bend