The Observation Deck

I posted this on another thread but felt it deserved its own thread.

I sincerely hope that one result of this election will be that at council meetings, our elected council will no longer think it's acceptable to sit there staring at their cell phones during citizen comments.

It's appalling the lack of respect shown to constituents they serve. If you want to sit playing with your phone, do it on YOUR time.

I'm hoping Ms George and Mr Rader set a good example for the current council and change the culture of appearing bored and disinterested. Again, you were elected after volunteering for the duty. Do it and stop making it look like you're so pained having to be there. If you are, resign and do us all a favor.

Here's a little list of reasonable expectations:

Reasonable Expectations That Every Citizen Should Have For Their Public Servants

1. Treat all citizens with respect, especially when you are in disagreement with citizen opinion.

2. Avoid even the mere appearance of impropriety in the performance of your duties.

3. Perform your duties in compliance with local, state and federal law, especially the Ohio sunshine laws.

4. Comply with the written ethical standards and written policies of the unit of government you represent.

5. Understand the nature of official conflicts-of-interest and avoid them.

6. Comply with the fiduciary duties required by the unit of government you represent.

7. Comply with the campaign finance laws that apply to you as either a public employee or an elected official.

8. Comply with the written ethical standards that govern your own profession.

9. When in doubt about any of these standards, seek clarification from other qualified individuals, such as the Ohio Ethics Commission.

It's actually pretty simple, isn't it. Nine simple guidelines. We did that in less than 10 sentences.

Mark Kindt wrote:Reasonable Expectations That Every Citizen Should Have For Their Public Servants

1. Treat all citizens with respect, especially when you are in disagreement with citizen opinion.

2. Avoid even the mere appearance of impropriety in the performance of your duties.

3. Perform your duties in compliance with local, state and federal law, especially the Ohio sunshine laws.

4. Comply with the written ethical standards and written policies of the unit of government you represent.

5. Understand the nature of official conflicts-of-interest and avoid them.

6. Comply with the fiduciary duties required by the unit of government you represent.

7. Comply with the campaign finance laws that apply to you as either a public employee or an elected official.

8. Comply with the written ethical standards that govern your own profession.

9. When in doubt about any of these standards, seek clarification from other qualified individuals, such as the Ohio Ethics Commission.

Much of this was probably in the ethics training that Tristan did, but I like this list and will probably print it out. Thanks Mark!

I still remember the meeting where Juris got up and pulled the microphone cord out of the wall because he did not want to continue listening to Marguerite. I recall him being extremely angry and rude. Perhaps it was because Marguerite is an intelligent women who is really good at what she does.By the way, where is Juris? You don't see or hear from him anymore.

I believe that part of the issue with the behavior of the council could be attributed to the fact that it appears that the hospital scam was already planned and put into action. I believe they all knew from day one what they were going to do. I can only imagine all our tax dollars that were used for the alleged fake studies, literature,etc.. I wonder if any tax payer dollars were used for any city hall propaganda that was sent out at both elections? Remember the great telephone conference with Dr. Jones from CCF and how they would not answer the tough questions? By council's behavior, it appears that they were having a difficult time dealing with the citizens throwing the truth in their faces.

As far as filing complaints with the Ethics Commission, I believe that was already done with virtually no results. It was rumored that Mr. Summers has "friends" on the Ethics Commission. Would that really surprise anyone?

I have great faith that Tristan and Meghan will be respectful and honest with the citizens of Lakewood. After everything the citizens have been put through, this will be a refreshing change.

MY prediction:
Bullock will pretend to listen for the next few months, but only until he loses the State Rep race. Then back to gazing at his cell phone during meetings.

Not so fast, Deneen.

There are those provisional ballots and a recount.

Bridget,

We can only hope he is shown the door after that!

He has done MORE than enough damage for one person. Lakewood can't afford a councilman like Bullock anymore!

My message to Council:

Always speak the truth.

That is all.

Dan Alaimo wrote:My message to Council:

Always speak the truth.

That is all.

That aspirational goal would require a level of intellect that enables them to discern the truth.