I never thought I’d see the day when politicians would complain that too much was being done to solve troubling problems. Sadly, that day has come…
Last week the JI reported that the Republican majority was bellowing about the consistent submission of [necessary] resolutions by the Democratic Directors. In fact, it appears that the Republicans felt as if they were being “overburdened” by the initiatives – wait, “overburdened,” are you telling me that the Republicans are feeling overworked? That does not sound at all consistent with their desire to be “accountable” to the citizens of Manchester. In fact, it sounds like they’d prefer to be lazy and just completely ignore all of the (real) problems that require attention.
Wally Irish, the former Republican Town Chair, who has since picked up his ball and gone home, was quoted as saying, “This is just more public fodder so the Democratic minority can show their frustration.” It’s an “abuse of their ability to place matters on the agenda.”
Ted Cummings, the ubiquitos Democratic Town Chairman, who has announced his intention to retire after 54-years at the helm, responded:
“Wally’s take on this is a little too quick. Offering resolutions to the Board of Directors, or to any deliberative body, is a clear way to express a party’s position.”
“All of the resolutions are designed to meet town needs and they’re specific, designed to enliven give and take discussion, which is what the Board of Directors is about.”
Wally’s response? “Democrats have every opportunity to put issues on the agenda, this is a totally unprecedented act.”
Ummmmm, okay. Heaven forbid the Democrats actually attempt to address the most pressing issues of the community! I understand that bringing about real and tangible change are new concepts for the Republicans, but to bemoan the attempts of others (even after Lou’s inspiring commentary that he wants an open exchange of ideas; regardless of origin) demonstrates how they truly intend to govern (or rather not govern) over the next 18 months.
March 7, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Wasn’t there an issue around the end of 2006 about the majority party at that time trying to restrict how things were added to the monthly agenda? It’s a good thing that didn’t pass then, or else the current minority party wouldn’t be able to add these resolutions now.
March 14, 2008 at 3:07 pm
The issue in 2006 referred to the then-Republican minority not addressing potential agenda items during the agenda meeting, which the General Manager, the Mayor and the Minority Leader attend, and then, without forewarning, bringing up the issue at a meeting and expecting it to follow the normal process. The Republicans are now claiming that the Democrats are “abusing” their right to propose new initiatives, notwithstanding the fact that they are following the proper procedure. The issue that you reference and the JI article address two completely separate issues entirely: one is procedural; the other effort and workload.
Moreover, the Republicans’ claim is a bit hypocritical as Mayor Spadaccini said at his first meeting that he intends this board to be one of energy and new ideas, regardless of party origin.