Time isn't on their side
OK, I thought Blake's recent post was about something, but then it turned out to be about something else. He starts out by saying this version of the Athens-Clarke County Commission hasn't accomplished anything with the implication being that it's their fault.
Then, upon reading a little more, one finds out that it's because they are strapped for time and are unsure about the proper procedure and protocal. This, understandably, gives a wholly different slant to his post. The time issue is important to consider because, as Blake notes, being a commissioner is a part-time job.
So ... I'll play your game you rogue ... Athens-Clarke County should have full-time commissioners, just as how the Georgia General Assembly should have full-time legislators. It's time to realize that this is a community which needs to have its elected officials on-the-clock year-round and, forgive me for suggesting this radical notion, but also having broader powers to propose and enact policy.
I work a full-time job, but also volunteer with several groups and am very active with my church ... and I can't find enough time during the day to do what I need to do. I can't even begin to imagine how pressed our elected officials - both at the local and state levels - are for time.
I would disagree with Blake that we should lower the number of commissioners. For a town with a population that will approach 110,000 very shortly, having only seven wouldn't suffice. The current number of 10 is very manageable, permitted the commissioners have the ability to focus fully on their duties and are given the proper authority to march forward rather than react to zoning requests or recommendations from staff.
But the remainder of his recommendations are good ones ...
Move all the meetings that aren’t usually attended by the public (everything but third-Thursday agenda-setting and first-Tuesday voting) to the daytime. Staff the commission with one or two people who work explicitly for them, similar to the auditor, so government employees aren’t sent on a wild goose chase every time (Carl) Jordan decides he wants to overhaul the zoning code.
Then, upon reading a little more, one finds out that it's because they are strapped for time and are unsure about the proper procedure and protocal. This, understandably, gives a wholly different slant to his post. The time issue is important to consider because, as Blake notes, being a commissioner is a part-time job.
So ... I'll play your game you rogue ... Athens-Clarke County should have full-time commissioners, just as how the Georgia General Assembly should have full-time legislators. It's time to realize that this is a community which needs to have its elected officials on-the-clock year-round and, forgive me for suggesting this radical notion, but also having broader powers to propose and enact policy.
I work a full-time job, but also volunteer with several groups and am very active with my church ... and I can't find enough time during the day to do what I need to do. I can't even begin to imagine how pressed our elected officials - both at the local and state levels - are for time.
I would disagree with Blake that we should lower the number of commissioners. For a town with a population that will approach 110,000 very shortly, having only seven wouldn't suffice. The current number of 10 is very manageable, permitted the commissioners have the ability to focus fully on their duties and are given the proper authority to march forward rather than react to zoning requests or recommendations from staff.
But the remainder of his recommendations are good ones ...
Move all the meetings that aren’t usually attended by the public (everything but third-Thursday agenda-setting and first-Tuesday voting) to the daytime. Staff the commission with one or two people who work explicitly for them, similar to the auditor, so government employees aren’t sent on a wild goose chase every time (Carl) Jordan decides he wants to overhaul the zoning code.
posted by Jmac at 6:54 PM
6 Comments:
In other words, "mesa propose that the senate give immediatly even MORE powers to the Supreme Empress Heidi Davision"
Well, not only did you boil down my posting into one simplistic thought, but you also completely misread it. But, kudos.
If you noticed, I lobbied for full-time legislators as well, and I'm not particularly a fan of, say, Glenn Richardson.
Being full time or part time has nothing to do with it. Though the Empress and Corruption ARE full time; they are full time money wasters, full time mouth runners, full time other-people's-business minders, and full time nothing doers.
Anyway, you did say specifically that the Empress and Corruption (which with this current Corruption, means simply "The Empress") should be given more power - did I misread that?
They're full-time ... except they're not. It's a part-time job and part-time money with full-time responsibilities.
We're arguing over the facts here, not your personal beliefs about the commission. Replace this bunch with a group of conservative developers and I'd say the same thing.
Does the body need more power to enact and propose policy? I personally think so. Exactly how much? I'm not sure. I think Blake's proposal of a small staff who reports directly to them is a start.
Chuck:
Mayor and commissioners are paid for part-time work.
Also, weak-mayor system. Look it up.
Blake
Of course they're paid for part time work. As they should be. Well no that's not true - with the damage that they do to Athens day in and day out, they *should be* paying US.
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