Walsenburg or Mayberry?

The city of Walsenburg continually surprises me with the actions it takes in its official capacity.  As a resident I would think the reason for a city government is to protect and serve its citizens.  Until recently I thought the federal and state governments were there to serve.  Something is wrong.  People are human and do make mistakes.  This is why there is a set of checks and balances to prevent officials from stepping over the line and ignoring their responsibilities.

In the case of Walsenburg I have been somewhat skeptical about the Northlands land speculation deal which seems to primarily benefit the few at the expense of the taxpayers.  All the rhetoric was about benefits of bringing business to the city.  The city residents have seen increases in utility rates and continual attempts to raise taxes, but little improvement to the city's infrastructure.

A few citizens have been so bold as to suggest either further reductions in the city police force or merging with the sheriff's department to cut expenses. These suggestions are met with high resistance from the police department and the city who are most interested in maintaining the status quo.  At one point the mayor commented that Walsenburg wasn't Mayberry.  I have to agree with that statement.

No one in Mayberry would have considered selling the main assets of the city to a pot growing operation.  There was no retail marijuana stores there either.  You knew who was in the police car because there was only one.

The police department in Mayberry didn't have much turnover and did not not hire officers with a criminal record.  Times have changed a lot since Mayberry.  The city council didn't invite people to become a member who had an extensive criminal record.

Maybe its just me, but I think Mayberry stands up well in a comparison to our current city government.