I don't know Roger Bray personally, but those who do, know he is a good and decent man. He has been a solid productive member of this community for 30 years and a dedicated public servant. Voters trust him and have elected him to City Council for 4 terms.

I've attended or watched numerous council meetings, and he is the most prepared council member I've seen. It is very apparent he has studied the agenda items; he analyzes the material and asks thoughtful, intelligent questions. He challenges proposals he believes won't benefit Pocatello. This is what most voters want their elected officials to do.

As everyone knows, Mr. Bray made an observation about the diversity of Pocatello. He has clarified that it wasn't meant in a racial context. Mr. Bray is not known to be a liar. There is no reason to believe he is, and he should be taken at his word.

The Mayor, half of the City Council, special interest groups, and others have put their own spin on the meaning of his comments, and have manufactured an unnecessary controversy to remove Councilman Bray from office.

The ongoing smear campaign against him is despicable. It does nothing to benefit our community. Is this how we should treat dedicated public servants?

Mike Theiring, Pocatello