EDITORIAL

Staying on topic...and on time

Posted 7/21/16

Monday night's City Council meeting was sure to take the bloom off the rose for those dreaming of serving the public. The performance might also go a long way in explaining why some incumbents aren't seeking re-election. There was a larger than customary

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EDITORIAL

Staying on topic...and on time

Posted

Monday night’s City Council meeting was sure to take the bloom off the rose for those dreaming of serving the public. The performance might also go a long way in explaining why some incumbents aren’t seeking re-election.

There was a larger than customary audience for the meeting slated to start at 7 p.m. Many in attendance were recently declared candidates for mayor, council, and School Committee, there not only to witness local government in action but also to participate in committee hearings and to offer remarks during the public speaking portion of the meeting.

While participation is positive, there was also a level of frustration with the process, which is understandable.

The 7 p.m. meeting didn’t convene until after 10 p.m. It’s not that nothing was happening.

Committee meetings that precede the full meeting were being conducted. The process was arduous. City officials were quizzed on questions that could have easily been asked prior to the meeting; members of the public repeated arguments made at prior committee meetings; and some council members restated positions they have already made clear.

The council meeting hardly offered relief, although apart from the 15-minute public session and comment on ordinances, the public didn’t have access to the microphone. The council moved tortuously slowly through its docket.

As the council meets only once in July and August, it could be argued too much was crammed into the docket. Indeed, a shorter docket would have expedited the meeting. An earlier start for committee meetings and a shorter docket are measures that might improve the August meeting. That should be considered.

But the real solution lies with the council. Committee chairs and the council president need to take control and keep debate focused on the issues. The council floor should not be used as a soapbox to expound on personal views with little or no relevance to the business at hand.

Some of those candidates in attendance vowed to bring change if they are elected. That sounds promising, but it’s a long way off even should they win election.

It would be far better if elected officials and those who truly have something to contribute watch the clock and consider what their performance says to the audience.

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  • richardcorrente

    For the record, the finance committee portion of the meeting started at 5 PM and the Council meeting didn't end until about 12:30. I know. I was there. Afterwards dinner was at the only place available, Cumberland Farms.

    I go to all the City Council meetings. I feel it is my duty. I notice that the current Mayor never does. For that matter I have never seen him at a School Committee either. Last year he went on vacation 5 times and spent more time at his RIPTA job than he did in the Mayors office. As Mayor I will treat this as a full time 7 day a week commitment.

    Please vote for me. I will care enough to attend important meetings like these. And I have an absolute commitment to cut taxes and cut spending. The current Mayor has increased taxes every year for 16 years in a row! At some point you have to ask "When is enough enough?" I think it is in November. I have also challenged him to debate me but he has avoided the issue so far. Please visit www.correntemayorwarwick.com for more information.

    Please join me on August 8th at Lemongrass 1138 Post Rd. from 5 to 8 PM for my fundraiser. I would love to meet you.

    Thanks.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Thursday, July 21, 2016 Report this