As a past and maybe future resident of Cannon Beach, I am following the saga of this $33.6 million bond for a city hall, a police station and renovation of the elementary school.

The Astorian tells us that the Cannon Beach City Council “insists voter approval is unnecessary,” and they voted to approve it in an “administrative action.” Then the council rejected the petition from Cannon Beach Together, which asked to put this bond into a referendum so the financing decision could be made by the 1,489 residents who elected the five of them.

Someone said I should “butt out” because I don’t live there, and I don’t have a vote. Well, guess what: No one who lives there has a vote either, so I feel free to comment. This “bond in disguise” should be subject to a vote of the people it affects. “Administrative action” sounds like they initialed a $33 million document in interoffice mail.

I am honored to be a part of Cannon Beach Together, a diverse group of community members and friends who love Cannon Beach and are committed to responsible spending and stewardship. We agree, we need a new city hall and a new police station, and redevelopment of the school is a lovely thought. But $33 million?

The council represents all residents. If they believe in their $33 million project, why are they reluctant to give a vote to the people for approval?

DAVID FREI

Seattle