Letter to the Editor: Boards, Commissions and Power Politics
Alexandrian Kathryn Papp says the true purpose of city boards and commissions has become distorted and calls for the city manager to consider structural change.
To the Editor, The City’s Boards and Commissions have grown to total 76 and were mostly established in the 1980’s. Recently, Vice Mayor Kerry Donley signaled the use of Boards and Commissions to press forward city projects, such as staffing the Beauregard Advisory Group, but this use is also apparent in pushing forward the waterfront plan. Exploited like this for tough issues creates the perception that these city-appointed groups are little more than power arms of City Hall. In most cases, Boards’ and Commissions’ charters require them to make policy recommendations to City Council and to draw on city staff for support within reason. This is where violations of their charter are apparent. It has been noted that staff can even effectively …
Dennis Auld
9:31 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
Del Ray Guy, I have consistently supported, applaud and encourage citizens to join and serve on boards and committees. I agree with you that on average, well meaning experienced citizens join these groups. But members can bring agendas on specific issues being dealt with by the group. That can be observed on many occasions from various groups. My recollection of that particular meeting was that a… more ›