THAT'S VERY CLEAR, MR. OBVIOUS

Yesterday, we gave a brief rundown as to the "accomplishments" of Monday's County Council meeting. Today, we would like to explain some of the technicalities of the new Council system.

At the reorganization meeting earlier this month, Mr. Davis led the charge to change County Council Rules. He insisted that the committees of the whole were not working well. He said the old system took too long and most of the citizens didn't have a clue as to what was going on. He said his new system would fix all these problems. He contended that committees comprise of only 5 Council members would be much more efficient and easier for the public to understand.

Let us begin with a brief overview of the old system:

1. Under the Council of the whole system, ALL members of Council sit on EVERY committee.

2. The Chairman of a committee does not have a vote. (unless there's a tie)

3. On several vital committees, one of Mr. Davis' supporters was chairman.

4. This meant the 4 Conservatives had a majority vote on several vital committees.

5. This threw a monkey wrench into many of Mr. Davis' plans.

Now, let's look at the New system:

1. Under the new system, there are only 5 members on each committee.

2. The Chairman still doesn't have a vote.

3. On the new vital committees, Mr. Davis seated all 4 of his supporters.

4. With only one vote on these committees, the Conservative Councilmen have no effective voice.

5. Mr. Davis has complete control of the agenda.

Then, when controversial issues come before full Council, the vote is tied 4/4 and Mr. Davis breaks the tie in his favor.

At the first full Council meeting under the new and improved Rules, things did not go as smoothly as advertised. It soon became apparent that it wouldn't be "efficient" to have the audit report given to the Finance Committee alone when 3 members were excluded. Also, it proved problematic to have "just" the Finance Committee go into Executive Session, leaving 3 Council members in the dark.

Finally, the situation was rescued by that pinnacle of intellect and sense of fair play, Councilmen Call. He announced that it was never the intent of the new Rules to exclude any member of Council from any of the Committee meetings. He said he wanted the input of all members of Council on all issues. He, also, stated that all members should be allowed to attend all Executive Sessions.

In case you missed anything, let us recap the new change in Council Rules:

1. All Council members attend all Committee meetings.

2. All Council members attend all Executive Sessions.

3. All Council members can voice opinions during Committee discussions but only Committee members can vote.

4. On the vital Committees, the 4 Conservative members of Council still have no voice.

As usual, Mr. Call decided to deviate from Mr. Davis' script and has thrown a bright light on the true facts of the situation. Now, thanks to Mr. Call, it is quite clear why Mr. Davis wanted these new Rules. The 4 Conservatives will be included in all functions of Council except the vote.

Do the meetings move more quickly? NO

Is the process more efficient? NO

Are the proceedings more understandable? NO

Is there more unity on Council? NO

The new Rules achieve only one change. The 4 Conservative Councilmen have been affectively disenfranchised.

Due to Mr. Call drifting off the reservation, Mr. Davis has inadvertently achieved complete transparency.