Southport, as most residents will tell you, has been run by a small but influential group that feels general public input is both annoying and unnecessary. Their decisions have been in the best interests of someone, but not the citizens of Southport. The result has been too much secrecy, too much money being spent on the wrong things, and far too much arrogance on the part of the ruling class.
I'm confident that will change after tomorrow's vote is in. Things did improve 2 years ago when a mayor and 3 aldermen replaced longstanding incumbents. Unfortunately, since 3 other longstanding incumbents were still on the board (and one of the new members joined that group) the result was a board so divided that very little could be accomplished. If this election can bring in 2 free thinking, open minded individuals to the board I believe they will be able to work with the existing members to create a body that will be able to discuss issues openly and make decisions that are in alignment with the desires of our citizens. If this does not take place, it will be business as usual.
As I've emphasized many times we do not need 6 board members and a mayor who all agree on everything. We need creative thinkers who are willing to listen to the public, fellow aldermen, city staff and any other advisors the city may designate. Once the listening is done they must discuss all potential decisions in a free and open format wherein each alderman and the mayor can express his/her ideas without being ridiculed, personally attacked or dismissed. It may take longer than the old way of doing things but the result will be the best possible decision that can be made given the information at that time. If more information is needed, the board must show patience so that no stone is left unturned.
I hope this all makes sense, because it sure isn't how things have been done in Southport up to this point. Please know as much as you possibly can about the candidates before you vote, be absolutely sure they do not have a hidden agenda, and go to the polls with the confidence that you've made the best choice. By Wednesday morning we'll know whether there's hope for the city government of Southport.
2 comments:
More negative comments toward me. Wow! I DIDNOT make any campaign promises, they were made for me. Meet me for coffee and I will explain. Two free thinking open minded individuals(quote from you)are now elected and with your experience as emperor of the universe Southport citizens are in GOOD HANDS. Remember citizens are in Ward 2 also. Knock on there doors and get there input, not just the few that attend regular meetings.
Juan: I did not make any negative comments about you, except that I associated you with the 3 sitting board members after the 2007 election. The fact is that you voted with them on most every issue--most critically the revoking of the annexation and the failure to rezone the Southport Crossing property. Even your sarcasm shows that one particular alderman has had a significant influence on you.
I DID knock on doors in Ward 2 and get their input. I have an obligation to all the citizens of Southport and the folks in Ward 2 are just as important as anybody in the city.
I would like to see an open and civil discussion of the issues that come before the board and that did not take place the last 2 years. I'm optimistic that we can achieve it with our board and I look forward to working with you to make our city's government more responsive to all the citizen's needs, not an elite few.
I'll take you up on meeting you for a coffee as I respect your opinions and experience. I have no doubt that I'll learn something when we talk and that any animosity you feel towards me will be reduced--if not eliminated.
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