Dearest Readers, The events of last night’s City Council meeting were not merely recounted to me through hushed whispers; no, dear readers, I was present, a witness to the unfolding drama, and indeed, a participant in its more… unrefined moments.

Let us, then, speak plainly. The spectacle involving Ms. Floyd, the wife of our Police Chief and new assistant to the mayor, was not one born of mere gossip. I was there, amidst the concerned citizens, seeking answers to the anxieties that plague our community. It was during an emotional moment that Ms. Floyd approached with an air of such misplaced authority, wagging her finger as though she were an irate schoolteacher — an image which, under different circumstances, might have seemed almost comical. Alas, given the gravity of the situation, it struck a far less amusing note.

It appears even the most ardent champion of gentle persuasion, one who prefers a thoughtful exchange to the rather uncouth practice of treating one’s fellow citizens as errant hounds, has encountered a most

Letter to the

… frosty reception. When a touch more understanding, a soupçon of fellow feeling was proposed, the suggestion was met not with consideration, but with a reaction so utterly devoid of warmth, it could curdle the finest milk. It seems that not all ears are attuned to the dulcet tones of empathy. A most unwelcome state of affairs indeed. One might wonder what prompted such a display, but whatever it was, it certainly did little to ease the already frayed nerves of our community.

But, dear readers, the displays did not stop there. Upon my departure from THE Aud, I encountered a most peculiar incident— a grown man who felt it necessary to express himself by barking at me. Were this individual a representative of our city’s workforce, one might question the standards of conduct that are upheld in such positions.

And so, in a moment of consternation, I confess, a foreign tongue slipped from my lips. A linguistic cloak of comfort, you see, lest my justifiable indignation prove too… jarring for more delicate ears. For in that very instant, let it be known, a declaration was made, albeit in a rather more exotic vernacular: one does not simply push or attack without accountability.

Yet, while these personal affronts are certainly memorable, they pale in comparison to the more ominous matter that looms over us: the to-be-scheduled private meeting between the City Council and the Hospital Commission. One cannot help but notice this curious reluctance to shed light upon their deliberations. Indeed, this carefully constructed opacity, or lack thereof, is proving to be quite the breeding ground for speculation, wouldn’t you agree? Much like the relentless bloom of honeysuckle, an absence of transparency lingers, casting a subtle yet unsettling shadow over the otherwise charming streets and stirring the teacups with far more than the usual sugar. We are left to wonder what goes on behind closed doors — an unsettling thought, indeed. The alderpersons of our City Council must prove their commitment to transparency and accountability, for the silence only deepens collective suspicion.

But perhaps the most concerning aspect of all is this: Eureka Springs finds itself in desperate need of leaders who possess the strength and integrity to confront our challenges head-on. Let us not be swayed by the mere passage of time in office, mistaking longevity for genuine merit. It is not the years spent in power that hold significance, but the tangible impact of one’s actions.

I, like many of you, grow weary with the waiting for answers, but I remain steadfast in my belief that the truth, however long it may take, will eventually surface. For legacy is not about resting on past achievements but continually striving for improvement— particularly when the stakes are at their highest.

Rest assured, there are more discussions to be uncovered, more truths to be brought into the light. Until that time, I implore you to stay resolute in your pursuit of better, and to hold hope that those in positions of authority will ultimately choose the righteous path— even when it proves the most difficult.

With unwavering resolve, and a personal understanding of last night’s rather peculiar events, — Heather Wilson