Consent of the governed- part 2: where did all these people come from? Continuing my response to Aaron Kirkpatrick, City Council Ward 4's video:
To the accusation that the lot of us new folks are 'conspiring' behind the scenes- not really, no. This group emerged organically as a sudden expression of people who cared enough to throw their hats into the ring... which ought to communicate something serious. If things were going well, I think city council would largely be ignored as people would carry on life with all happiness.
Our limited discussions have revealed a natural unity of purpose in the sense of wanting transparency and more latitude to the public. I find each of them to be thoughtful individuals in person, with reasonableness and genial affability which does not translate easily into digital text.
We are each of wildly different backgrounds with different ideas of what good government might look like. Several of us were complete strangers to one another until happenstance threw us into this contest.
With regards to videos and airing of grievances-
As Facebook is a natural forum, I for one like videos from the various chairs and candidates. I like videos even (perhaps especially!) when parties disagree. Robust discussion and debate are helpful if they bring attention to important items and help us consider them critically and from new angles. It also reminds us that we are each very much normal flesh and blood people.. More information is more appreciated.
With regards to harassment-
I can only account for my actions, but I am not one to attack persons and stated as such in my recent video. Rather I'm inclined to respect anyone bold enough to jump into the hotseat of City Manager. Even this shorter-term position of council member is the equivalent of volunteering to get one's face punched in on a regular basis. (Why am I doing this? Excessive sense of civic duty? Desire to serve? Brain damage? The world may never know...).
In any case, kudos and respect to anyone mad enough to apply for any of these roles. Larry East for Ward 2 may be the wisest of us all in his decision to say farewell; I do wish him the best in his next adventures.