From Ron Marsh
Monroe
Mayor Ross, were you unsure whether you could or could not replace Alderperson Boyce? Is that why you had a legal opinion done? After reviewing the legal opinion, I totally understand the basis on which it was made. However, I do not believe it applies to the document passed by the Common Council. Why? Because of past practices and the document submitted to the Common Council list each individual assigned to a committee and the chairperson of that committee. Nowhere on that document does it use the words appointees or designees. Nor does it allow the Mayor to make any changes to the document. The Common Council passed the document as presented, with no strings attached. If the legal opinion stands then the form submitted to the Common Council would have to be changed to show the Mayor's rights. City codes also should be changed so future Mayors and Alderperson can interpret those codes more clearly. The bottom-line is that the Mayor has opened a Pandora's Box. This issue could become a political football for future Mayors. The Mayor stated: "Typically, you give a brand new alderman a year to get their legs under them." Does that mean our soon-to-be elected Governor cannot make any decisions for one whole year? Right!! Any individual in management knows the time spent in any position does not equate to contributions to that position. How did the Mayor select his committees and chairs? 1. Did he send only a memo to each Alderperson, which asked what committees they would like to serve on? 2. Did the Mayor make all the appointments? 3. Did the Mayor interview each Alderperson to gain insight to their leadership abilities and how their work experiences could be best utilized? The Mayor also said, "I saw Mike was struggling in his role as chairman." I do not know Alderman Boyce personally. However, the profession he works in and his involvement in that profession more that qualifies him for any committee or chair assignment the City has to offer. The City should be tapping that experience, knowledge and leadership, not curtailing it. The downsides to this whole issue are Alderpersons as well as staff will be second guessing themselves, creativity will be curtailed, there maybe a creditable gap between them and the Mayor. In addition, this creates doubt in the public's mind. Mayor Ross, right the ship. It is time to do the right thing. Reinstate Alderperson Boyce.
Monroe
Mayor Ross, were you unsure whether you could or could not replace Alderperson Boyce? Is that why you had a legal opinion done? After reviewing the legal opinion, I totally understand the basis on which it was made. However, I do not believe it applies to the document passed by the Common Council. Why? Because of past practices and the document submitted to the Common Council list each individual assigned to a committee and the chairperson of that committee. Nowhere on that document does it use the words appointees or designees. Nor does it allow the Mayor to make any changes to the document. The Common Council passed the document as presented, with no strings attached. If the legal opinion stands then the form submitted to the Common Council would have to be changed to show the Mayor's rights. City codes also should be changed so future Mayors and Alderperson can interpret those codes more clearly. The bottom-line is that the Mayor has opened a Pandora's Box. This issue could become a political football for future Mayors. The Mayor stated: "Typically, you give a brand new alderman a year to get their legs under them." Does that mean our soon-to-be elected Governor cannot make any decisions for one whole year? Right!! Any individual in management knows the time spent in any position does not equate to contributions to that position. How did the Mayor select his committees and chairs? 1. Did he send only a memo to each Alderperson, which asked what committees they would like to serve on? 2. Did the Mayor make all the appointments? 3. Did the Mayor interview each Alderperson to gain insight to their leadership abilities and how their work experiences could be best utilized? The Mayor also said, "I saw Mike was struggling in his role as chairman." I do not know Alderman Boyce personally. However, the profession he works in and his involvement in that profession more that qualifies him for any committee or chair assignment the City has to offer. The City should be tapping that experience, knowledge and leadership, not curtailing it. The downsides to this whole issue are Alderpersons as well as staff will be second guessing themselves, creativity will be curtailed, there maybe a creditable gap between them and the Mayor. In addition, this creates doubt in the public's mind. Mayor Ross, right the ship. It is time to do the right thing. Reinstate Alderperson Boyce.
