10/30/09

Madam Mayor,

Tonight we have the unenviable task of bringing to light actions that have avoided public scrutiny except in whispers. As we get started, I caution my fellow council members to keep in mind that as humans, we are frail beings. A microscopic examination of any person’s life, (I include myself here) will reveal unflattering actions. I believe that humans are all sinful, fallen creatures, and that in judging humans, we should keep in the back of our mind Jesus’ admonition that if we judge, we will also be judged by the same standard.

Having said that, we are also partial stewards of a perpetual, non-human entity, the city government, that will outlive all of us. Because this perpetual entity will encounter similar issues in the future with different administrations and councils, it is our duty as stewards of the city to ensure that we minimize the risk of repeating these issues in the future. Tonight, if we can expose the root causes, especially the structural root causes of the issues, we might be able to point the way forward with solutions. I believe these solutions should address three specific criteria.

One, does the policy rely on the character of the individual or rule of law?

Two, does the policy give the individuals charged with oversight a method to correct a situation without attacking the character of the person in question?

Three, is it possible to archive for public review those transactions that are most likely to require a watchdog presence in the community?

With any outrage, it is easy to call for political blood to be spilled in swift retribution. Unlike last Monday’s workshop, tonight we are also meeting as a council with the power to pass resolutions or censure. If this body decides it is necessary to deliver a resolution or censure, I ask that we justify whatever discipline with reasonable evidence rather than emotional outrage. I believe that it is necessary for us to face the facts honestly, acknowledge the role of emotion, but then to vote in accordance with a reasonable standard that we can defend once the outrage has subsided.  I yield the floor.