As you have probably read here before, my first Republican campaign activity began in 1982, 43 or so years ago. I have also said back then we were the Super Minority Party. Our Republican legislators could not get alot done because of Democrat Speaker Naifeh and the Democrat control on the State House. So, when the Democrats complain of the current make up of the legislature. I simply shake my head, because I recall the days the shoes were on the other foot.
When I served on the “non partisan” Knox County School Board 2000-2004, I read every item, every contract. I always had a lot of questions and many of my colleagues just wanted to approve the items and go home (I assume before dark)
During my term as Knox County Republican Chairman, 2005-2007 and a few years after that, many individuals came and went from Knox County Commission. There were a few Commissioners that would come to the meetings with the Commission packet in hand and it had not been opened, prior to the meeting.
Every member of a governing body are elected by the constituents of the district. Every member performs the job of preparation and work, how they choose to do it. Some members chose to work behind the scenes getting answers to questions, so they can vote at the meeting. The elected official’s constituents accept that and it works.
Some elected officials operate differently in that they want to ask the questions in an open meeting. The staff are there to answer the questions, just as they are in the office a week before on the phone. It’s just a tad different from a one on one conversation to a conversation in front of everyone. The elected officials constituents accept that and it works.
When it comes off the rails is when a group of elected officials, call out one or two of their colleagues as if their style is wrong. From a partisan perspective, it helps the minority party when there is discontent and division among members of the majority party. Critiquing of individual members of an elected body should be left to independent media types like #TheMegaBullhornofTruth
During my term on the School Board, I was the one asking questions. The best compliment I got, was when I was told the Superintendent, told his staff, if Brian asks a question, answer it, because he likely already knows the answer. That is how in-depth I did the work of being a Board Member. We were all paid the same, but I am proud to say I did the work. I am not saying the others didn’t do the work or wrong. It’s just how I did it.
This past week, when Commissioners criticized and called out Commissioner Andy Fox and Angela Russell, I was disappointed. One because I knew the daily paper would “tabloid” the issue, in an effort to damage the Republican Party.
Unfortunately, everyone for 3-4 days have been quiet, since the daily paper ran the “Showmanship” article on Tuesday the day after the Commission meeting. The daily paper not only used fellow Commissioners but also the County Mayor to criticize the two Commissioners. It is unfortunate along with the cause and effect of a Super Majority Party.
What most folk miss, is that criticism by a daily paper with fewer and fewer subscribers and greatly diminished rack sales are simply helping Commissioner Fox and Russell with their constituents. The voters of the Super Majority Party look at the position of the liberal news publication and decide to go the opposite direction of the local tabloid.
