Encinitas mayor should ensure City Council meetings are civil

I was elected to the Encinitas City Council in 2006. There was a toxic environment.

One goal as a council member was to restore some level of civility amongst members and how the public was treated. I began referring to my colleagues by their title and last name as a means of showing them respect. I gave speakers my full attention and tried to understand their perspectives.

I believe after eight years, including two as mayor, there was a marked improvement.

It is disheartening now to see the growing toxic environment and extreme lack of civility. The vitriol is primarily directed at Councilwoman Joy Lyndes and select members of the public. This has no place in Encinitas. We look to the council for leadership, not petty and insulting false accusations.

Mayor Bruce Ehlers has the duty to set the tone for civil and productive discussions. I urge him to do so.

— Teresa Arballo Barth, Cardiff-by-the-Sea