Last Tuesday, another Councilman-elect and I attended the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) orientation for new and returning elected officials in Columbus. It was encouraging on several accounts. First, it is good to know that this organization exists and stands ready to assist officials from towns across Indiana with issues that will arise throughout their terms of service. Second, the IACT members/presenters are knowledgeable about questions in their field. Third, because the organization is non-partisan, the advice is presented in a matter-of-fact manner which stresses the structural limits of the office but doesn't necessarily seek to steer policy. I feel more confident that I can find an answer from this source free, or at least freer, of unspoken local motivation.
One issue specifically addressed by a legal authority there gives credibility to the recent actions of Dan Coffey regarding the distancing of the Sewer Board from the City Council. In unambiguous terms, the counsel stated that a sitting City Councilman (the question was about a City Councilman, but the answer encompasses any office holder) can, in most circumstances, have no more than one paid office or position. When asked to elaborate, she clarified the term to say, "if you make fifty cents, it's paid." Coffey is attempting to remove council representatives from simultaneously serving on the sewer board. Bloomington representatives said they have an ex-officio member on the sewer board. He doesn't vote, and isn't paid. He serves to convey information from one body to the other.
Another issue addressed was that of City Court. Again I have been given information that the office of City Court is a financial drain. Rather than "turning a profit", by hauling in unpaid fines, the institution still returns a hefty portion of the collected fines to the state, and still has to cover its administrative costs, but seldom does. I understand the desire to have a mechanism to facilitate enforcement of ordinances on a host of issues, but it does not seem that a city court is the way to go. I remain open to the idea, but I haven't found good bases for it yet.
One of the speakers there stressed that voters are likely to be disappointed because instant gratification, though often sought, is seldom found through government. In a remark that caused the bromide meter to jiggle a bit, he offered a sentiment which I hope will accurately reflect my term and the upcoming council term, "Honor your service by serving honorably."
One final observation of the event is that it began with a welcome to the attendees. We did not recite a prayer or the Pledge of Allegiance.
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5 comments:
And a "Welcome to all present" would work just fine in our city governments public meetings thank you!
Contrary to what some may think, I'm tolerant of others beliefs and points of view.
However, I feel strongly that in government, the separation of church & state is as vital as is the balance of powers betweeen the various branches of same.
Amen
I want to correct an error in this post. I say that a City Councilman can not have, in most cases, two paid positions. That is accurate.
I then added parenthetically that the same is true of any officeholder. That is not accurate. In fact, state law may mandate the inclusion of the Mayor (or his designee) on a sewer board. That position could be paid. I would infer that the designee could not be a councilman even if he were sitting in for the Mayor.
How about a "Welcome" and a toast with New Albany's own Elector ale?
And no, I am not being paid to advertise Roger's beer!
iamhoosier:
The introduction of such a liquid into a confined space like the city council chamber could prove explosive. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
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