What does Steve Otto mean when he says "Transparent"?

The Three Stooges of Payson Politics: A Call for Transparency

Mayor Steve Otto, Charlie Bell, and Guy Fister—nicknamed "the Three Stooges" and backed by the Transparent Payson group—are raising serious concerns among citizens. Despite campaign promises of promoting citizen input and holding open meetings, their recent actions suggest a very different agenda. Instead of fostering transparency and accountability, they seem intent on pushing their plans with minimal public oversight.

The Controversial Push for Charlie Seraphin

Their latest move? Attempting to install Charlie Seraphin, their lead supporter and radio propagandist from KMOG, as the interim town manager. This proposal comes even though Payson already has a capable interim town manager in place.

The rationale? A vague claim of uncovering hidden waste and corruption that, apparently, only Seraphin can address. However, Seraphin lacks the expertise and qualifications necessary for this critical role, making their justification seem more like an excuse to consolidate power than a genuine effort to improve town management.

Public Pushback

At their first council meeting, Otto, Bell, and Fister tried to fast-track Seraphin's appointment. Fortunately, engaged citizens intervened, delaying the decision. But the fight is far from over—now they’ve called a "special" meeting on Wednesday to revisit the matter.

Will Public Voices Be Heard?

The central question remains: Will the public be allowed to speak at this meeting? If the council silences citizen voices, it will confirm that their promises of transparency and community involvement were nothing more than empty rhetoric. Moving forward without genuine public engagement would shatter Transparent Payson’s credibility.

Call to Action

The stakes are high, and participation is crucial. Concerned residents must attend the meeting at 4 P.M. on Wednesday to demand answers. Key questions to raise include:

1. Why is Charlie Seraphin necessary for this role?
2. What issues exist with the current interim town manager?
3. Why wasn’t the selection process open and competitive?

It's critical to counter any attempts to fill the room with supporters who might drown out valid concerns. Payson’s future depends on residents showing up, speaking out, and holding their leaders accountable. Transparency and fairness must remain the foundation of local government.