Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to the recent opinion piece by Peggy Bourland regarding my service on the City Council. Ms. Bourland is entitled to her views, but several claims in her article do not reflect the full picture of my work or the role of a council member entrusted with representing the people of South Lake Tahoe. I wish her no ill, but I must respond.

South Lake Tahoe is at a crossroads. Our community deserves thoughtful, prepared council members who do more than simply approve all items without discussion and debate. Public debate can be intense at times, but open dialogue is essential to good governance.

We need policy leaders who read the material, ask informed questions, and share important information regularly with the public and our fine staff. We need council members who take their responsibility seriously to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively to address the most pressing issues facing our community. Asking questions and making comments is not only appropriate — it is exactly what your local council member is supposed to do.

We also need elected leaders who are inclusive and committed to strengthening our local economy, supporting our business community, and creating opportunities so that residents can be independent, secure, and able to prosper here. Our goal should be a community that is successful and resilient — not one made dependent on government.

Asking tough questions is not “questioning staff’s ability.” It is the basic duty of any council member in a city that values transparency, accountability, and good governance. Residents expect their elected officials to engage critically with the issues, understand the implications of each decision, and uphold the public trust. Doing the work — carefully, thoughtfully, and openly — is how I honor that responsibility.

Having served as a city manager for many years, I know how important it is to be prepared for each meeting. That is why I read my agenda packets and do my homework. I ask questions and make comments that are sometimes probing, because both I and the public deserve to understand what is happening and why. Many residents rely on those discussions to stay informed, and some ask me to raise questions publicly because they fear retribution if they speak out for themselves.

The article also referenced the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in a misleading way. ICMA does not prohibit former city managers from serving as elected officials in the same city. That claim is incorrect. I retired from city management in South Lake Tahoe in 2010 and was honored to be elected to the City Council in 2024. ICMA does not prohibit continued public service by retired city managers.

It is also important to remember that freedom of speech applies to everyone — including council members who are the target of personal attacks. I support civil discourse and the right of residents to speak without disruption or intimidation. Unfortunately, recent meetings have included inappropriate accusations and name‑calling, including from individuals now criticizing me for conduct they themselves have displayed.

Finally, it is no secret that short‑term rental policy remains one of the most divisive issues in our community. Reasonable people can disagree, but it is unfair to suggest that I alone am responsible for the outcome of a complex, multi‑year policy and legal debate. The issue remains unresolved. The Council voted, compromises were made, and the process was conducted publicly. It was one of the most thoroughly discussed and debated issues I have seen in my many years of public service.

I will continue to work hard to advocate for South Lake Tahoe within the complex governance system of the Tahoe Basin. Even when criticism is sharp, my focus remains on the long‑term health, safety, and prosperity of our city.

Sincerely,

David Jinkens, MPA

City Council Member

(Retired South Lake Tahoe City Manager)

Life Member, ICMA