Appalling! That’s all I can say about the article in regards to Kurt Triplett (Jan. 7). If our new city manager can’t figure out how to sell a house while also buying a house and then come up with money for the moving costs, how will he be able to manage our city?! When will the council actually stand up for the citizens and provide some accountability to us?! When will one of them actually step up to the plate?

And, Mr. Triplett, how in your right mind can you accept over $30,000 to cover rent and moving expenses from Seattle? What a way to make your introduction into this town! With the continued cuts to city services, job layoffs and deterioration of downtown I would think you could find a better use for $30,000! These are the things you take into consideration prior to taking a new job – not just your annual income – a handsome amount of $174,000! Mr. Triplett, you and your family may need to cut back on expenses for a while, but I am quite certain you could afford yourselves rental and moving expenses much better than many of your constituents! Many of us, if you haven’t noticed, have cut back. Many of us are just happy to have a job, be able to pay for the basics and keep our kids in school. Everyone in Kirkland is not wealthy, there are many who live in poverty or just above, there are seniors, people with disabilities, people with limited means. You are making a crummy introduction into your new position!

By the way, there are plenty of houses on the market. My grandmother’s house, just off of 116th, is on the market. It wouldn’t be far for you to move and you might not even have to hire movers! We’ll be waiting for your call!

Leah Preston Ing, Kirkland