In the recent debates in Bet Shemesh City Hall regarding whether the Iryah should be moved to a new location (the quick vote, with not everyone present) went in favor of building a new complex by Ben Zeev street near where the taxi stand is, between Old Bet Shemesh and the Kirya Haredit), the debate was very heated.

Some supported keeping the Iryah in the current location, or in a new building int he current area. Their opinion is based on the need to support the downtown area, assuming moving the Iryah to a different neighborhood would be the death knell for the downtown shopping area.

Others wanted it moved to a new location, with different opinions of where that new location should be.

Personally I don't care where the Iryah is located and have no opinion on where the most appropriate location for it is. I understand their concern for the old neighborhood, but why are they more important than other areas? Just like they can boost the business of the old downtown, it is just as important for the Iryah to give a boost to the businesses of other sections f the city, so I don't see why that argument should give old downtown any priority over other parts of the neighborhood. But, again, I don't really care. Let it stay, let it move, no difference to me.

Meier Balaish, the Deputy Mayor of Bet Shemesh, was quoted by all the local papers, upon his opposition against moving the Iryah complex to a new location preferring to keep it in the current location within Old Bet Shemesh (will Mayor Moshe Abutbol toss him from the coalition for voting with the opposition as he has done with other parties in the past?), as having said, "As far as I am concerned, the city ends at Rehov Be Zeev. Beyond that [street] means nothing to me."

While Balaish's lack of interest in any of the new sections of Bet Shemesh is totally understandable, and it is not the first time he has made such statements, he should still be censured for saying it.

Balaish draws all of his support from old Bet Shemesh. He is an old-time Likudnik who broke ranks and formed a new party more in tune with the younger voters. His core voters, his base of support, comes completely from Old Bet Shemesh, rather than from the more religious areas of the newer neighborhoods of Bet Shemesh. So it makes sense that he would only care about Old Bet Shemesh. He has also said similar statements at the times of the debates of construction of RBS C. He said then he doesnt care what happens as the area holds no interest to him, and his concerns are only Old Bet Shemesh.

the problem with this, despite the sentiment being understandable, is that he is not just a City Councilman. Meier Balaish is Deputy Mayor. He is in charge of the office of Shef"A - City Appearance (Shipui Pnei Ha'Ir - in charge of cleanliness and parks, etc). A person in these positions, with that level of authority and power, has to be concerned about the whole city, not just his own voter base. It is unacceptable for him to say he only is concerned with certain neighborhoods and sections. For him to act like that is negligent and irresponsible.

If the mayor, or other councilmen had any courage and integrity, they would call him on that statement, they would censure him, and force him to either retract it, in both words and spirit, or send him packing.

It is unacceptable for someone in his position to be prepared to ignore what is upwards of 60%-70% of the city just because that is not where his voters are concentrated.