Well, I fulfilled my own prophecy last night. I voted on different issues with different Council members. The two votes that I made after much soul searching were to pay the bill for work done by a vendor who owes us fines. I know I'd like to stop the payment, but we were told last night that legally, we can't do it. I do not want to be placed in this position in the future. We either need to go after the fines, bring the people into compliance, or stop awarding lucrative contracts to the very people who owe us money.
The second issue was lowering the Mayor's salary. After the 2 years he has given us of missteps, arrogance and nose thumbing, this would have been sweet revenge. But I couldn't do that in good conscience. I am hoping that by this Council showing some restraint, the Mayor will also show some restraint in coming up with self-serving, autocratic decisions that will hurt many, many people. Let me say this now. I used restraint and caution in my vote last night. I will not be so generous next year if this Mayor doesn't start seriously rethinking himself. Enough already!!!!
I could feel a definite difference in the air last night. Everybody had a chance to be heard, and they were treated with respect and courtesy by this Council. In return, the speakers addressed us with courtesy and respect as well, even though they might have been passionate about their issues. John was very kind when he said he disagreed with one of our decisions, but he felt that we voted according to our own conscience. Ken was very informative with what goes on at the Planning Board, and he was very discreet in discussing anything about any open applications before his Board.
I know there will be times when the issued become heated. I know sometimes people will lose their tempers, but if we as a Council go to the dais with the thought of doing our best, letting people be heard and voting our conscience, it can't help but be better than it has been for the last two years.
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2 comments:
Oh what a meeting it was! Nobody on the dais made a face at the residents who went up to speak. Nobody on the dais made any sarcastic remarks towards the residents who went up to speak. The gavel wasn't banging and there was order throughout the meeting. This was so unlike all the previous council meetings that have been held in the past 2 years and was a breath of fresh air! Congratulations to the new council for restoring civility to Jackson Township. I hope it continues but I'm thinking it won't once our lovely mayor shows up. I'm not saying that the council will act the way the previous council acted; what I'm saying is that the mayor will bring his usual arrogant attitude which will rub the residents the wrong way and the fireworks will begin. I'm in it for the long haul, don't you worry!
It was so nice to see you all up there, ready to serve the residents of this township. Best of luck in the coming years!
Wonderful job up there last night! It was wonderful not having to sit in such a hostile environment like usual!
Oh! My egg timer is ringing, I must go! ;-D (bring that sucker back!) Hope the contacts were better for you today!
-Kristen :-D
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