“The city promised us.”

Sitting in numerous city meetings I’ve often heard the “The city promised” or “We were promised.”

Yes, the person is certain that a promise was made. Sadly, these promises aren’t documented. In one case I was at a meeting when a subject was discussed. A year later someone made the “We were promised” statement. First, no such promise was made and second, the person wasn’t even at the meeting. However, try arguing with them.

Memory changes, often, we recall what we want to.

What’s the point? Document what goes on. Record the names, the dates, what was said. As a lawyer friend once said “A verbal agreement isn’t worth the paper it’s not written on.”

Some years ago I lived in a small slice of Pierce County between Tacoma and Federal Way. It was a pain getting ambulance and fire services. Due to the location the times I called 911 always ended up in arguments that I was calling the wrong service. Worse, our services were a volunteer fire department while a Tacoma fire station was much closer.

The homeowners started a petition drive to be annexed into Tacoma. We met all the requirements and were even complimented by the city council for doing such a good job. Yes, the city representative we worked with made promises.

Before we completed the action we requested the city provide us with a signed letter. In the letter the promises were spelled out. One such gave us the right to use the Tacoma landfill and not pay the tax that had just come into effect.

About a year later I used the landfill and was told I was a Piece County resident so please pay quite a bit extra. I paid, and then contacted the city with a copy of the letter. The check repaying me quickly arrived.

The point is that the promises were documented. The city put down on paper what it would do. Human memory is subject to change. Paper isn’t.

The recent MPD election saw signs that mentioned “trails” and a “community center.” Was this a “promise” by the city? No. It may have appeared to have been and likely people voted for the MPD based on the “promises.” However, the city wasn’t committed. Despite this, had the MPD passed, no doubt “we were promised trails” would ring out.

There are few things more frustrating than to have a person say “The city promised” then try to find out the details. For the person making the statement, it’s more frustrating as one no doubt feels that they are getting the third degree.

Document,  please? Put down what was said, who said it and when it was said.