I also try to read the workbook before the meeting, and always have it open on my coputer monitor while I watch the meeting.  The problem is that not everything in the packets is in the workbooks.  Also, for emergency legislation, often NO information is in the workbook. 

 

Back in '99 and the early 2000s (when I used to attend nearly every meeting), the workbook was never on line, nor were coppies available for the public at the meetings.  At nearly every meeting I would arrive prepared to speak on one subject, but without warning, they would inevitably throw an emergency or two into the agenda at the last minute that I felt was more important to address.  Therefore, I often had to make my comments "off the cuff"!!!

I don't think I expressed an opinion on the merits (or lack thereof) of the library levy.  I certainly intended to address voting: " 'NO' on the library levy issue on February 16, SOLELY due to the fact that it will come before council on an emergency basis. 

 

 

 

This idea of raising taxes at every turn is out of hand.  No wonder everyone is fed up with the Ohio way of life, it is a constant levy for this or for that.  Rather than raise revenues through growing the city and local economy it is bring in more poverty and raise the taxes of those that have not  fled the city.

 

Shouldn't Mr. Picard now be abstaining from both the discussion AND the vote on this issue.  He obviously has an "interest" in this issue as he has "urged trustees to go for the 0.75-mill levy instead of a 0.7-mill version" as reported by The Middletown Journal on January 28, in his role as "liaison to the board".

 

Once again this illustrates why the practice of council members serving on the various boards and commissions, in any capacity whatsoever, is an inherent CONFLICT OF INTEREST and is therefore ILLEGAL!!!

 

It would be smart of Mr. Smith or Mr. Laubach to "pick their battles," and I would urge them to do so.

 

The object of the "emrgency/non-emergency" protocol is to assure that BOTH the council AND the people have a chance to become informed about, and address their representatives on the issues at hand, yet still allow legislation to be passed in a timely manner under extraordinary circumstances. 

 

In my opinion, it would be a mistake, both ethically and politically, to vote "NO" on the library levy issue on February 16, SOLELY due to the fact that it will come before council on an emergency basis. 

 

This issue has been well-publicized.  It is no secret.  No one is trying to "sneak" it in.  There is a "deadline" by which it must be passed in order to be submitted to the Board of Elections. 

 

Yes, I have stated that "poor planning on the part of others does NOT justify emergency action on the part of council."  And yes, this should apply to the Library board.  However, at least the spirit, if not the letter, of the "emergency/non-emergency" protocol has been satisfied. 

 

There is more likely to be support when it is really needed if the "Not an emergency = NO" vote is reserved for when it is truly necessary!!!

 

In fact, if the library passes a 0.75 mill levy, as you "URGED" (according to The Journal) instead of the 0.70 mill levy that they wanted, will you be offering to reimburse the citizenry for the additional $215,300+ per year in taxes which you alone, in your role as a council member, will have caused?

 

Next, regarding your words above highlighted in blue:  May I remind you that each member of the City staff also "has a duty to the citizens of this City to do their job and to be prepared."  And that each member of staff "must be aware that their actions may have very serious consequences and they must prepare" necessary reports, legislation, and resolutions in a timely manner (unless they are true emergencies) in order for council to consider and vote upon them in a non-emergency manner.

If my kids are sick - I do not call 911, I call there doctor.  If it is life or death I call 911.  But if everyone called 911 when they had a headache - then no one would get the help they needed.  Right now the council is making everything urgent - and we are not getting any better.