“Well, Mayor I listen to residents and not clocks.”
One of the many new challenges I face, as a newly elected, are the procedures & protocol of City Hall. While I can surely appreciate, and, yes, even honor and respect most of them, I was quickly reminded of one that our Mayor felt it necessary to remind me of the time limits during “COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS.” Council announcements is a block of time, of no more than 3 minutes in the Mayor’s mind, where councilmembers are to provide announcements to their constituents. Frankly, many of our existing coucilmembers use this time, and waste taxpayer’s time, by glad-handing and patting each other on the back, rather than providing useful information for residents. I have adopted the mentality that during this segment, this councilman will communicate to residents in the 3rd Ward of my meetings, accomplishments and the projects being completed. I am very careful to use my words carefully, and I plan accordingly with this in mind.
What the Mayor didn’t realize was that I was very aware of the time limits agreed to and placed upon during that council workshop, sometime near the time our newly installed city manager came to town. In fact, I was there throughout the entire process. It went something like this: we need have time limits placed upon council microphones in the name of respect, civility and a professional tone in the presence of our public.
And the council agreed to it, at least the majority, with certain members of the minority defecting and even feeling vilified for voting against the censure and time cap on elected officials.
So now back to the meeting on April 2. Mayor Morris decided to publicly inform me that I had gone over the agreed upon time limit. My response was short and simple . . . “Well, Mayor I listen to residents and not clocks.” I drew a line in the sand for residents! Residents sill come first in this councilman’s viewpoint. I am firmly committed to residents and their concerns, desires, and will continually advocate, speak and boldy press the issue for residents, businesses, young familes, and the citizenry of the 3rd Ward. Unashamedly, uninhibited, and until I have fully communicated to and for the better of our residents. Regardless of clocks, alarm bells, and baseless time limits or constraints. If we squander countless minutes on glad-handing and rubber stamping, then those present during my COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS can incorporate civility, along with patience, while I conclude my remarks.
