Final weeks, time for some fun

I've been rereading the reasons for recall that we gave so much thought to, put so much effort into. We (and there were several of us who made comments, changed and added things before these became final) wanted to be clear, concise, and factual -- above all, factual. And, we wanted to touch nerves in people, get people to question what they wanted from the council and what they were getting. Make them more aware of what's happening here.

In rereading those statements, I'm still convinced we did a pretty good job of spelling it all out. There were many more reasons and issues that could have been discussed, but ultimately they had to be narrowed down to fit the word limit. There were also several personal issues, first-hand experiences with the councilors and much general ill will toward them that had to be voiced and then omitted. They didn't belong in this kind of piece, and while each of them may have been personally valid, they weren't the issues we felt most affected the majority of people.

So, when it came to the end, we were agreed that the current financial status and future of the City and the abuse of power these councilors displayed concerned us most. They want ownership of the City. Their pet projects, their money, their commissions, their vision, their charter. It was all about them. And, not much has changed in the way they go about the City's business since this recall and this blog started in August.

As we enter the final days of gathering signatures and trying to expose the things that this council is party to, I'm prompted to remind people of the things that brought us to the point of filing a recall against Doug Morten and Phil Barlow, and I'll continue to do that.

But, for each of us involved in this, and for many others who've signed petitions, attended meetings, and talked to people about the issues, the reasons for our support of this recall might also include personal encounters, personal feelings, one of those things we left out of the recall statements. We've kept this blog above board and factual as much as possible to this point, and it's not always been easy.

So, for the next couple of weeks, let's talk about the things that didn't make it to the recall statements as well as the real issues. Maybe the thing most on your mind is the audacity of someone to name themselves commissioner of public works without one iota of experience, or get paid $75 for attending a yacht club meeting. Or maybe one of your personal reasons is that you don't like Phil because his family steals apples from your tree (yes, we really heard this one!) or maybe you just can't stand Doug's arm around you when he talks to you. I don't care and neither will anyone else. As long as we keep it clean and not mean-spirited. And, as long as we clearly identify opinion, own it, don't state it as fact.

So, let's hear from you--email me at kcbauer@q.com. Tell us what's on your mind about Doug and Phil. I'll post and share whatever you are willing to share and with or without your name, as you wish. Give us your personal reasons for recalling Phil and Doug, even if they aren't recall-statement worthy!

I'll start.

For me, it's the huge overload of ego. (There are many more logical reasons, but this is a chance to let loose, too, remember?) Up front, this is just my opinion, based on what I see and hear at City Hall every day.

I work with Doug enough to see that what he says and what he does are often very different things. I've seen and heard him say one thing to one commission, another to another commission, another to staff, and yet another to the city council--all on the same topic. He fits his words and his response to the audience. He has an innate ability to realize what you want to hear and make sure he's the one saying it. I find Doug smarmy, patronizing, disingenuous, and egotistical. I want to ask him to be sincere.

As to Phil, I always think of Jack Nicholson telling Tom Cruise, "You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!" He expends way to much energy asking for other's opinions and approval and then worrying them to death. His primary concern is how he feels, and how he is perceived, yet he throws tantrums in meetings, argues, interrupts, and is belligerent; whines that Sally is picking on him and trying to ruin his career; and is hurt because he's not included in things. He could write a textbook on how not to behave in public office. For instance, presenting the ignorant and insensitive idea during during a public meeting that even though the city charter says you have to be a property owner in the city to hold a seat on council, the reference was probably put in there to keep black people from running for office back in slave days and doesn't apply to him! I find Phil grating, childish, irrational, and yup, egotistical. I want to ask him to grow up.

I could probably express that all more clearly, but this one is off the cuff; it's just what I feel about them. And, for me, it's enough.

I look forward to hearing from you. And, to seeing those 1200 signatures on the petitions! Thanks for carrying on with the good fight.