... I'm reposing by the ocean in Oregon, just north of the border with California, just as Graham (above) was yesterday, further down the coast.Owing to the wonders of wireless, I've been able to keep track of events, at least until yesterday. The super cheap motel in Fort Bragg, California did not have Internet access.
Here's to the hope that tonight's neighborhood meeting was fruitful. My departure the morning after last week's first gathering precluded much in the way of commentary, although one thing about it that worried me was the willingness of 3/4 of the Gang of Four in attendance to indicate agreement with the tone of the discussion.
Keep an eye on them. If Cappuccino shows up, consider changing the venue, and make sure no bread crumbs are left behind.
As for me, well, I haven't spent this much time in an automobile since Jimmy Carter was President. The trackless waste of the pioneers has yielded somewhat to the banal sterility of chain store exurb, but more than a few acres of desert, forest, prairie and seashore somehow have survived, along with independent businesses and often, contrarian spirits behind the counter.
Like I said, best wishes to those of you who are taking the lead. Please, someone provide a report, okay?
So what would you think about 4/4ths of The Gang of Four?
ReplyDeleteWe've said it before and we'll say it again: You simply must see these guys in action. All will be made clear, in a heartbeat, when citizens see this bunch.
Roger, I'm jealous. It's been a long time since I saw the Pacific up close & personal but if I close my eyes and sit very still, I can still hear the waves and smell the salty air.
ReplyDeleteAs for this evenings meeting, all four of the gang showed up(Cappuccino included) and were predictably disruptive.
Kochert was reliving the past(again) abut how good it was under previous administrations.
Price was bemoaning double dipping & the Mayor's lack of leadership, and Coffee wants to include more policemen, more fireman, as well as at least one full time city attorney.
Dan also reminded us that the average annual income for the majority of New Albainians was below the poverty level and that we were not in touch with that segment of the people. He was reminded that this meeting was open to any and all who wanted to be heard. Sorry they did not show!
On the positive side of the ledger, we agreed on three items:
1) At least one representative from each neighborhood association is going to meet with Mayor Garner and our current part time city attorney to pick their brains about the full time position sometime this next week.
2) A committee was designated to research how this position is handled in other cities of our size and demographic. How are they staffed, what's the going rate in dollars, what are their specific areas of responsiblity, ect. In addition the option was raised to invite a city attorney from another city to speak at our next meeting to answer questions and offer guidance.
3) The next meeting was scheduled for April 25, 2006 to report our findings and further solidify our next step. Prof. Newman is scheduled for this one also.
All in all it turned out to be productive inspite of the dog & pony show. I'm probably leaving something out, but I got so emotional with the Siamese twins that I lost focus for a few seconds.
I'm sure Jeff will have more to add!
Looks and sounds like you & Graham are like two kids in a candy store! Enjoy it for all of us.
Has there been attendance at any of the neighborhood meetings by city administration, or is it only Councilmen Kochert, Price, Coffey and Schmitt who have been taking the time to attend and participate?
ReplyDeleteDear Ann and Brandon,
ReplyDeleteAnn,
On April 4 and 11, 2006 no one from the city administration attended either session. All City officials and City Council members were invited.
on April 4,2006,the following City Councilmen were in attendance:
Mr. Schmidt
Mr. Price
Mr. Kochert
Ms. Crump
Mr. Messer
On April 11, the following City Councilmen were in attendance:
Mr. Coffey
Mr. Schmidt
Mr. Price
Mr. Kochert
The next meeting is April 25,2006 at 6:30PM at the White House building's lobby.
Brandon,
Yes, the City Councilmen
contributions were welcome by all present. However, Mr. Coffey points were good but one week late. His remarks serve to distract from the purpose of the meeting. Some points Mr. Coffey made have to be researched first. The remarks that the Indiana Code of Laws mandates 2nd class cities to have a full time city attorney and his remarks stating that 2nd class cities cannot have city courts also have to be looked up first.
Maury