Re: Councilman Johnson's Departure

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

>
>In my opinion, it would be best if the Mayor nominates someone that would 
>be unanimously approved by the Council.
Does this statement reflect a principle of representative government?  Or 
does it reflect the dynamics of political influence within a governing 
body? We just had an election in which a lot of votes for candidates 
espousing certain ideas different from those held by the elected reflect 
a substantial body of opinion. The mayor legally has the prerogative of 
selecting whom he chooses, assuming he can persuade council to go along. 
Such a decision might produce a batter "team" that can get along -- but 
is that what representative government is about? I doubt that very much, 
for "getting along" may not be in the best interests of the total 
community. What does matter, is that the community sentiments be 
recognized in toto,  that the interests of the whole community be well 
served and that government seek to promote consensus in the community, to 
avoid divisiveness and loss of opportunities. Then, we have a chance to 
promote policies that serve the general interest, rather than policies 
coming from a group that "gets along" well, but for whose benefit? You 
are confusing what may best serve a so-called well functioning team with 
what the total community meeds as representation in decisions about its 
monies, resources and institutions.  How can a unified "team" respond to 
that purpose? It almost seems that a strategy on this matter has already 
been played out to some extent. We should hear Linda Pall and Tom LeClair 
on the issue, as well as Steve Busch.  Thanks for being frank and open 
about your political philosophy.   Ken M.

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William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com