Several residents spoke during the Sept. 10 public-comment period at the Orting City Council, raising concerns about local government transparency, a whistleblower lawsuit, and the impact of social media on local politics.

Chris Hopoff said a whistleblower named John raised concerns about sewage overflows at the city's wastewater plant and that a lawsuit or claim was filed; Hopoff said he believed a settlement amount was offered and that the whistleblower had been fired. Hopoff also read a written public comment from Tyler Collins asking the council to address ethics and staff safety. The clerk read Collins’ written statement into the record, which praised city employees who reported hazards and criticized council and administration conduct.

Other speakers included Scott Brennan, who commended Deputy Mayor Koenig for coming forward on matters of integrity and urged councilmembers to avoid airing disputes on social media in favor of internal processes. Doug Bishop criticized the city for enforcing fines against his family over a structure on his property and said he received little response from council. Miss Young (first name not provided) spoke in support of Deputy Mayor Koenig and described the filing as motivated by duty rather than malice; she said the process began in 2024.

Speakers called for better communication, transparency and for council members to follow formal processes rather than public social-media dispute. No council action was taken during the public-comment period; several speakers asked for staff briefings or for the council to address specific allegations in counsel or via legal process.

The council invited written comments, which had been submitted to the city clerk and read into the record as permitted by the public-comment rules.