Schenectady City Council President Margaret King owes the community an explanation regarding her recent comment that “sometimes work will have to take priority ... sometimes there are things we have to do.” If citizens are expected to take a back seat to a council member’s full-time employer, then the representation in Schenectady is headed for a culture of mediocrity. Elected officials take an oath of office. Representation means service. Where is the accountability? No one can serve two masters. Since January, there has been a high rate of absenteeism among council members. For instance, city council called for a public hearing; five members didn’t show up. Some members walk out of committee meetings early. Members are not present for city council meetings. Oh, I’m sure there are plenty of excuses, such as class night, children’s homework, dinner engagement, parent care, etc. given as reasons for not being present. But the pay is the same. No time is docked for absences. More importantly, the representation is lacking. Taxpayers do not deserve that kind of government. It is simply unacceptable. Most members on the council have been there for several years. When they ran for re-election, members knew the work involved and they knew the demands of their full-time employers. Why would council members expect us to accept their personal lifestyles with all the baggage rather than give us the excellence warranted from elected officials? If I can be at committee meetings, council meetings, public hearings, etc., council members should certainly be there too. Otherwise give up the office. Others are willing and able to take their places. MARY MCCLAINE Schenectady The writer is a former unsuccessful candidate for city council.
Good point Mary, but be careful what you wish for. If they quit their day jobs and assuming that they worked in the private sector, they would all be asking for a substantial raise at OUR expense!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Good point Mary, but be careful what you wish for. If they quit their day jobs and assuming that they worked in the private sector, they would all be asking for a substantial raise at OUR expense!!!
I was thinking the exact same thing while reading the article.
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