As the holidays approach, I’m sure we will soon be hearing more about the “Vista Drive Christmas display” issue, but I’d like to see Auburn’s city manager focus on a more important lighting issue.

About this time last year, the city of Auburn put up a new flagpole in front of City Hall. It was done with pomp and circumstance, with the local band and city officials; they even closed the street in front of City Hall. It was a big deal.

Then, one evening, as I drove by City Hall, I noticed that the flags were not illuminated, with the exception of a streetlight hanging about a foot or two away. I stopped at City Hall the next day to ask why there wasn’t proper lighting on the flags. After making a number of inquires, I found out that officials were going to put up proper lighting for the flags after the Christmas lights were put up.

It’s been a year since I inquired and still the only thing that is illuminating the American flag is a street light.

It’s a shame that the “Vista Drive Christmas display” issue, and Christmas lights themselves, are more important than showing respect for the flag and those who are serving to protect us, our freedoms and this country.

I think City Hall officials need to get their priorities in order.

Melissa Brown, Auburn