Sima's motion for a police officer
Jimmy Sima's proposed resolution to increase the number of police certainly generated some discussion. For those of you who didn't see it, here it is:
Personally, I didn't think the "notion" that Jimmy thought of this on Thursday was "ridiculous." Though there was a ridiculous aspect to this whole discussion.
And as I recently stated here... I'm fine with the budget being "decided" before the actual vote. I recognize that there's paperwork involved and have no interest in causing the TM any undue professional risk.
But the reaction to Jimmy's motion did seem to be a bit much. I mean, it is a meeting. And there is supposed to be discussion, right?
Though later in the meeting, Matt Hall did explain his vehement opposition by saying where things need to improve... there needs to be improvements within the "internal" communication of the nine council members: Unfortunately, this logic is predicated on the two party system*. But what if there's an unaffiliated (independent) Council member who has no caucus member on the Budget Committee? Or what if some members of a particular caucus** don't communicate well? This plan falls apart.
No, Matt's call for improved internal communication of the nine Council members doesn't work. Instead, staff*** should keep Council members aware of happenings... such as the last-minute, under-the-radar removal of a police officer from the budget (something I only heard about a few days before the budget as well). So, IMO, this was not a failure of communication among nine volunteers.
It was a failure of the Council to direct staff to keep Council members aware of proposed changes to the budget. But, of course, it's apparent to many residents now that this Council doesn't direct staff. Rather, staff directs the Council:
Tim White
* As explained in this post on political fundraisers, to the best of my knowledge... nothing has yet been done to rectify this inequity that disenfranchises all voters who are not members of one of the two major political parties. So this suggestion doesn't surprise me at all.
** There's definitely some Republicans in Washington who don't like working with Dr. Ron Paul because of his unwavering, strict interpretation of the US Constitution.
*** Perhaps someone tasked with the distribution of "public information" could perform this function... and post the information on the website also... allowing the voters a greater understanding of the process.
15 comments:
You have got to be kidding me? Hall is so arrogant that he essentially called Jim Sima a liar, in that he presented his amendment on that night? He further shut down discussion by calling for a vote he knew he would win with his dem majority. Further,the TM said it would take a whopping ten minutes to adjust the budget to account for the amendment. The townspeople cant get ten minutes to make an amendment that benefits the town?
I have had it with this idiot Matt Hall. I really thing its time that the people in this town, begin flooding the meeting and demanding endless debate thereby shutting down the council until this arrogant, pompous jerk learns who is in charge. "Il Duce" Hall is an example of what is wrong with this town and its time that the townspeople do something about it.
How this nitwit got re-elected is beyond me...
Right on the money ADB; Same can be said for Esty too.
You would think after what this town has been through our public safety might be worth ten minutes of their precious times, condering they wasted two whole meetings last year on a confusing wild goose chase trying pin blame on the town clerk for some clerical confusion
Kudos should go to Jim Sima because later in the meeting he explained how his work kept him and he was late getting to that last budget meeting and had to go home and read over the info presented. After Hall had been so rude to him, Jim kept his cool and was professional. I thought for sure he might have blasted Hall right back but he didn't.
I would have.
If you promised not to touch the BOE budget one gets elected. It's a shame but that's the truth I believe.
10 minutes is not a long time to wait. The budget could also be corrected later if an error occurs. It was important and there wasn't hundreds of people waiting to speak. It wasn't a huge change. Good for you Mr. Sima for trying because now we see what the real Chairman is like.
11:26 please no simple name calling. If so, you should at least be creative.
A modest man, who has much to be modest about. - Winston Churchill on Clement Atlee
There has been a clear message sent to the taxpayers, if you oppose or in some way do not support the entire Supt's annual budget request you are anti-education. It happens to everybody that ever stood up and questioned, opposed and provided alternative solutions except for Li Feng. There is no attacking him because he is Chinese.
I think come election time, it is is really important for voters to see first hand the tactics and behavior of Mr. Hall specifically. This guy thinks its his right to be a member of the council. He is rude, arrogant and obnoxious to say the least. He routinely berates those who disagree with him and uses his majority to control and shutdown discussion and debate.
This town needs a few unaffiliated council members and BOE members. The two party system has become poisoned with arrogance and a distinct lack of common sense. The local dem party is controlled by the educrats, realtors and developers. The Town manager and Supt of Schools have it made here. They have developed a system where all opposition is squelched.
They all should be doing what is best for the citizens of Cheshire no matter what party they represent. If they don't, then vote them out. No debate on matters such as the budget, the pool and other important items is wrong. There should be plenty of time planned for times such as this to allow for more motions and discussions. It's a shame that many more people didn't know the other options. I wonder if this is put to referendum what the outcome would be? May 11th is the deadline to get 1500 or so signatures. My bet would be that it would not be that difficult.
Is that correct, we need 1500 signatures on a petition to send ti to referendum? If so, we need to get one circulated.
Matt Hall has some nerve! Why are the R's taking this guys crap. Blast him back pick a fight don't let him get away with this crap. It's time for the R's to make a stand and show that there is a difference between the two parties.
Lets go people!
Obviously, Matt Hall was telling Mr. Sima that he needs to learn to do 2 things at once. Thats why he was chomping on his dinner while running the meeting.He can eat and run a meeting so Mr. Sima should be able to do the same.
I think it is "ridiculous" the way they pushed that motion through so fast.How do they sleep at night?
I would sleep a lot better knowing there was another police officer protecting me and my family rather then spending "ridiculous" amounts of money on an energy guzzling pool.
Post a Comment