To the Editor:
When is it permissible for a member of one of our boards or commissions to openly admit to breaking the law, while still being able to maintain a seat on that appointed body? In my opinion, this should never have happened. However, a few weeks ago, I sent the following request to the Mayor, Bill Euille.
“Mr. Mayor, a week ago at the second meeting of the council’s appointed Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee one of the members of that committee made an egregious statement. To wit, he essentially said that there were nine stop signs on Union Street and that he doesn't stop at any of them and that he doesn't intend to stop at any of them because it’s inconvenient. This statement coming from someone on a city-appointed committee to discuss the best ways for pedestrians, bicyclists and autos to come together in a reasonable manner is unfathomable. This individual should be removed from the committee!”
The mayor farmed this out to the other council members, and when I asked what the decision was he sent the following: “I shared your concerns and request with my council colleagues, and the consensus was to not remove him. Appointees to many other boards and commissions have perhaps made personal statements from time-to-time, which they may regret, however, we have not taken action against them. Doing such, may deter citizens from seeking appointment. Remember, he was appointed by council, and therefore, I do not have the authority to remove him, accordingly. I will however, have a personal conversation with him.”
Respectfully, I do not agree with the decisions of the mayor or council on this matter. This was not an offhand personal remark on an unrelated matter. It was a proclamation by an appointee of the council, acting in his official capacity, that he has broken the law, and intends to continue doing so, on the very subject matter on which he was appointed to advise the city.
It is not in our best interests to have scofflaws representing their constituents on a city sponsored committee. Let the City Council "show their love" for the committee member by forgiving his past transgressions, but they need to appoint to this important committee someone who in the future intends to respect and obey the law, rather than boasting that he will violate it.