To The Community,
On January 13 (in closed session out of public view), three members of the SLT City Council directed City Attorney Heather Stroud to officially (on behalf of the City) oppose the appeal of Measure T. This action was not “reported out from closed session” to the public, and the ‘Respondents’ Brief’ by the City was filed with the Court of Appeal.
This is shocking.
The appeal by the Tahoe Neighborhoods Group was filed on June 11, 2025, raising questions about why this council waited eight months to file their opposition on February 6, 2026. The community may want to call council members David Jinkens: 530-318-2841, Keith Roberts: 530-318-2840, and newly appointed Heather Horgan: 530-318-6755 to ask them why they are opposing the appeal (behind closed doors) without public discussion or input.
By attempting to block the legal process from proceeding fairly and impartially, their actions raise serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and whether the community’s interests are being considered.
The right of citizens to propose legislation through the initiative process is fundamental to the democratic process. Any effort by elected officials to undermine or circumvent that right (particularly through closed-session deliberations and legal maneuvering) raises questions about accountability and deception.
Having three council members decide to legally oppose the appeal of an initiative that was passed by the majority of the voters doesn’t pass the smell test and allows one to believe something is rotten inside City Hall.
Peggy Bourland
Tahoe Neighborhoods Group