In last night's council meeting, the Cedar Falls City Council voted on a resolution to hire a new Public Works Director. Only, it wasn't a really a vote at all - it was mere show, a formality. The decision had already been made weeks before by the Administrator, with the assent of a few select council members and the mayor. The rest of us on Council were provided only a one-page, pro-forma ("Whereas, whereas, whereas") resolution statement in our council packet. The way it was presented, we were EXPECTED to approve it. If there was no other option than to approve, why were we even handed the resolution? If the outcome was pre-ordained, what was the point?
You can see for yourself how it played out -- this video starts at the point in question:
Rubber stamping
When frustrated residents speak of a rubber stamp council, this is what they mean. I was dismayed that the council would not even entertain changing the "effective July 1st" date to match our meeting date, to assert council authority over the process. The council is not doing its job when fails to fulfill both the spirit and letter of its legal responsibilities; the mayor is complicit in this failure when he forwards resolutions undermining the important legal role of the City Council. This simply can't continue.
The way forward
The City Council must act as intended -- as the people's representatives TO government, and as a healthy, respected oversight body where no decision is pre-ordained. And the Mayor must support the Council's authority by ensuring the government is operating in accordance with the council's will, as determined through the council voting process.
We must be clear that the Administrator is not a separate, co-equal branch of government. He doesn't work WITH the City Council, he works FOR the City Council. All resolutions and actions must respect the authority of the ENTIRE Council...not the assent of a handful of "chosen" council members behind the scenes. Our authority exists ONLY when all council members meet in open session...it's how representative democracy is supposed to work.
My commitment as mayor
As mayor, I will ensure that no staff member is allowed to 'assume a position' without first being approved by the City Council, as is required by law. Council members should also not be part of the interview process, as this predisposes them to a certain voting outcome at the Council Meeting -- especially problematic since these "chosen" councilors then possess more information than the rest of us on council. I will strive to foster an open-minded Council where votes aren't predetermined, and where council members are provided the material needed to make informed decisions in an open, transparent environment. For these reasons, and many more, I hope to earn your vote for Mayor on November 5th.