The Whole committee of the Whole, Part II

The whole committee of the whole met again last night. The only item on the agenda was to discuss the appointment of a new Mayor.

The city attorney read off the options and then discussion began.

It turns out that there is a succession plan in the city ordinances. Although it's primary purpose is that it would be used during times of catastrophe, the city attorney pointed out that it could be used now.

The Council President (Maack) would be first in line (he refused), then the Chair of the finance committee (Friedel). Alderman Friedel stated that he would accept.

One of the more intelligent Alderman, Alderman Wisneski, then gave an eloquent speech about the state of the city and made a motion to appoint Alderman Friedel Mayor.

Alderman Shields pointedly asked Alderman Friedel if he intended to run for Mayor in the next election. Alderman Friedel stated that he would not.

The discussion that followed for the next twenty minutes can only be described as bizarre. There are a number of our Alderman that can't seem to grasp simple concepts.

Let me help:

Council President Maack doesn't want the job because he is up for reelection in April. If he were to accept the appointment of Mayor, even if he won his Alderman race, he couldn't be sworn in because he would be the Mayor and couldn't hold both offices. Get it?

Alderman Friedel's seat will be vacant as soon as he is sworn in as Mayor. The council can appoint someone to fill his seat for the remainder of his term. His term is up next year. Understand?

At a time when we are in need of leadership, the council then displayed an arrogance that was unprecedented. When the ad naseum discussion came up regarding Friedel's soon to be vacant seat, many in the chamber gave the old wink and nod indicating that they would appoint Friedel back into his vacant seat after the Mayorial election. This kind of behavior smacks of corruption. If you are willing to play games with an Aldermanic seat, what else are you up to? This was a real low point in the meeting. I swear, I may seek a Writ of Mandamus myself if his seat is left vacant.

(A writ of mandamus is an court order that a specific thing be done)

The fun part of the meeting for me was watching various Aldermen stumble around the discussion. The worst was Alderman Mozol. I seriously wanted to run out, get a cup of coffee, give it to him and yell WAKE UP!! Alderman Wisneski had to "clarify" his motion twice before Mozol was able to understand. I'm not sure he did even then. Whew! BTW, I'm not picking on Mozol. He wasn't the only one.

After the meeting, one of the local business owners asked me about why Maack didn't take the job. When I explained it, he laughed and said that I was able to say in one sentence what the Aldermen took a half hour to debate.

Aldermen: It really makes all of you look like you don't know what you are doing. Seriously.

I'll be attending the next Council meeting to witness Fiedel being sworn in. Perhaps now we can move forward.