Baaaaah, Meet Your New City Council

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Our new City Council is more complex than the last. In Ran$burg's regime Council could be counted on to side with developers and the interests of business over the interests of voters. This Council seems to have a bit of an identity problem. The "essential services" crowd hasn't quite defined what qualifies as an essential/basic service. Look at the possible buy out of the water company. Advisory referendum aside, is there a more basic service than water? With two new members who ran on a "basic services" theme, one would have expected more deliberation and at least one more vote in favor of a continued buyout study.

The identity crisis is understandable as this Council is very young. As Ardis becomes more commanding in his leadership, count on Council to follow. As always, the exception will be Sandberg. This is a good thing, as every voice should be heard even if the voice is, at times, a bit loopy.

What is the attraction to the Mayor's job? On the face it doesn't seem like he wields that much power. Ardis is just another vote on the Council, but he will be the target of every unhappy citizen. However, if one wants proof that Ardis reigns one only needs to look at the recent appointment of George Jacobs to the council.

Jacob, a beer distributor, used connections to overturn laws and had an amendment added so that he (and some bloke in Lake Bluff) could immediately hold public office. After submitting his name for consideration and even after being chosen for the job, Jacob still has yet to attend a council meeting. Jacob is also related by marriage to Fourth District Councilman Jim Spears. Moreover, Jacob will not be able to vote on any alcohol related issues. Alcohol issues come to a vote at nearly every meeting. To say the least, Jacob has at much going against him as for him.

Most politicians would avoid this sort of controversy especially as it became apparent that Jacob faced notable criticism early on - even before being sworn in. The sole voice howling in the wind against Jacob was Sandberg. "Too many conflicts of interest, too many opportunities for abuse." Other council members were silent on the issue. The real vote was taken in executive session. The lack of debate is proof that the Council felt the open seat was Ardis' seat to fill, and they would rubber stamp his pick. Which is exactly what happened. Regardless of the vote, no one on the Council seems to be a staunch supporter of nor strongly opposed to Jacob- which is troubling. It was an important decision and should have merited strong feelings one way or the other.

It appears that this Council craves a strong leader and given one, they will happily follow. Ardis is not just Mayor but Shepard, and with one notable exception, his sheep are thus far obedient.
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