07
Sep
Opinion: Keeping Citizens Informed
An interesting piece of mail came today - The AHNA ADVOCATE. The "founder", John Joseph, bemoans the delay in the passage of an ordinance to place Initiative and Referendum on the ballot for the Nov. Election. He blames the City staff, particularly City Manager Ann McGlone, for the "agenda blunder". He implies that it was because the wrong year was used (1010 instead of 2010). He refers to a citizen who questioned the wording of the agenda item. I am that citizen, and my concern had nothing to do with the year, which was a complete fabrication by Mr. Joseph. There were two reasons for my complaint.
The first was an absence on the agenda of the actual subject of the charter amendment: "Initiative and referendum", and my second, and more important concern, was the fact that this proposed charter change was on such a fast track, imposed by Councilmen Prassel and Weser, that it had not even appeared in ANY City communications. In fact, the ordinance had only been finalized hours before the meeting and was not available to the public. Councilman Weser retorted that public communication HAD occurred, but he failed to reveal that the source of the communication was last months ADVOCATE. I'm sorry but this does not count as adequate communication. AHNA has been behind this proposal from the beginning and we should all be concerned about what they may be up to. Amazingly, Mr. Joseph says "the council was right to delay the public ballot on Initiative and Referendum from Nov. 2, 2010 to next May." But the AHNA supported Councilmen, Prassel and Weser, voted for it. So obviously they got it wrong according to Mr. Joseph. I do not believe the staff were guilty of a "suspicious lapse" as Mr. Joseph claims. The real culprit is an unreasonable demand by the AHNA and their councilmen to rush through a charter change too quickly and without adequate public hearings and input. Because the proposal was delayed, we now have an opportunity to look at the ordinance and it is very clear that it has serious problems. Maybe the council will have the time to get it right this time.
Bill Kiel
Bill Kiel
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written by WG , September 13, 2010
written by WG , September 13, 2010
Wow received the Advocate over the weekend.....nasty! It would be nice if the author could write a straight forward piece without all the jabs and stabs. All this flies back on the new councilmen actually all of council. Doesn't he know that? 101 journalism you don't have to bash others to make someone else look good. People see through it and your message gets lost. Honestly, I am not sure what the message was suppose to be.
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written by Bungalow Betty , September 11, 2010
written by Bungalow Betty , September 11, 2010
Tom T
Excellent post. Thank you for such good points.
I have noticed on this blog when there is a good discussion or dialogue between various people there is always a group that jumps in not with good sound thoughts and arguments, but instead with name calling, finger pointing, petty barbs( to steal a phrase from you) and still talking about past elections. On some posts they try to be cute and silly and on a few I have even found them degrading to women. For the most part, I think AH residents have accepted the elections results and have moved on and want to work together on the needs of our city and streets. Ironically, the people that keep bringing up the elections are those who feel they have won something ( in democracy don't we all win?). They bring it up over and over, by claiming "sore loser has grudge" or "they are mad because they lost an election". Just seems silly and "sooo grade school" as my son says. I don't understand why the so called winners are whining. Move on and work together.
Personally, I have enjoyed the discussions between Mr. Kiel and Mr. Peter Dewitt, Mr. Kiel and Mr. Graham Baker. I think they are very good discussions. I agree with Mr. Kiel on somethings, as well as Mr. Dewitt and Mr. Baker. I don't agree with everything all three gentlemen have stated but they do come in under their real name ( I wish I could) and lay out some very good points and they make us think. They have even changed my mind a time or two. Others have added to the conservations and make good points. Ah Matron, Bud and Lawyer Lucy bring much needed levity to this blog. I have enjoyed reading all the posts, but really resent the snipers.
I do not post often, but I do read every day, as do my friends (many will not post, scared they will get eaten alive). Tom, I do enjoy your posts, they are always fair and logical.
Excellent post. Thank you for such good points.
I have noticed on this blog when there is a good discussion or dialogue between various people there is always a group that jumps in not with good sound thoughts and arguments, but instead with name calling, finger pointing, petty barbs( to steal a phrase from you) and still talking about past elections. On some posts they try to be cute and silly and on a few I have even found them degrading to women. For the most part, I think AH residents have accepted the elections results and have moved on and want to work together on the needs of our city and streets. Ironically, the people that keep bringing up the elections are those who feel they have won something ( in democracy don't we all win?). They bring it up over and over, by claiming "sore loser has grudge" or "they are mad because they lost an election". Just seems silly and "sooo grade school" as my son says. I don't understand why the so called winners are whining. Move on and work together.
Personally, I have enjoyed the discussions between Mr. Kiel and Mr. Peter Dewitt, Mr. Kiel and Mr. Graham Baker. I think they are very good discussions. I agree with Mr. Kiel on somethings, as well as Mr. Dewitt and Mr. Baker. I don't agree with everything all three gentlemen have stated but they do come in under their real name ( I wish I could) and lay out some very good points and they make us think. They have even changed my mind a time or two. Others have added to the conservations and make good points. Ah Matron, Bud and Lawyer Lucy bring much needed levity to this blog. I have enjoyed reading all the posts, but really resent the snipers.
I do not post often, but I do read every day, as do my friends (many will not post, scared they will get eaten alive). Tom, I do enjoy your posts, they are always fair and logical.
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written by PL , September 11, 2010
written by PL , September 11, 2010
Could someone please clarify this one for me. I thought Mr. Prassel at the Aug 9th Council meeting introduced and handed out the IR ordinance (was not there but listen to the tape). My questions is, why is Mr. Weser stepping on Mr. Prassels toes by taking this over. Second can someone tell me where I can get a copy of the material Mr. Prassel handed out at the 9th council meeting. Who wrote that ordinance and was everything in Mr. Prassel's copy incorporated into the Document Mr. Eddy and the two attorney's referred to. I would like to compare the two, to be fair.
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written by Tom T , September 11, 2010
written by Tom T , September 11, 2010
Tommie Lou, son or missy.
Sorry for the delay in responding, we do not always have the best internet connection at the ranch. Read the article that Mr. Joseph wrote in the Advocate. "AH business Residents waited 20 years for this benchmark ordinance to make our city more walkable it only took this new Council three months to do."
I would not call this a benchmark ordinance, a little extreme. I have lived in Alamo Heights for 42 years. I have never heard anyone over the last 20 years (Mr. Joseph's number not mine) yelling for this, except for a handful of businessmen. I feel this was aimed at banks, and yes there is a gentleman that owns a piece of vacated property, which he wants to lease to a bank, but with this ordinance this has delayed or stopped his lease from moving forward. So we all know what this is about. And as far as a walkable community , I have developed a few properties in my life time and it will take a lot more to make Alamo Heights walkable (walkable communities would be a great item to discuss on this board).
Next, when Mr. Joseph used the number "20 years" he was throwing a barb at all the Mayors and Council Members that have served on Council the last twenty years (something I feel is very easy to do from the peanut gallery). I take exception to his remark. We have had some great gentlemen and ladies serve our City and to bash them is not very gentlemanly. The last twenty years I think Mayors Balthrope, Biechlin and Cooper and Council Members Cappy Lawton, John LeFlore, Mary Beth Gililiand, Glo Kehl, Jill Souter, Susan Harwell, Bill Kiel and of course the current council members McCormick, Rosenthal, have served and continue to serve our city honorably and well. They have given of their personal time to serving our city and all deserve a thank you and not cheap barbs. Have I always agreed with these public servants?- NO, but I do respect them and I think each one them has done a very good job.
I am not sure why you are trying to smear a reporter from the NCN, he has nothing to with this conversation,a little childish. and I would be careful of slander.
As far a my favorite number not even close. If you are trying to figure out my home address, well I own several properties in Alamo Heights, and I like to think I live in the clouds. If you are referring 420 as in four-twenty- the consumption of cannabis again childish and high schoolish don't you think?
Note of caution - the name Tommie Lou not sure if you are talking about the rapper or a neighbor rancher Ruth Tommie Lou from the I ranch. I would be careful using some else's name and putting a pen to it. Ask your lawyer about it. Using your name it is always best.
written by Tommie Lou , September 10, 2010
Tom T wrote "Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus."
What are you referring to or did you perhaps dream that? I've found him far more credible than our former councilman or the reporter from the North Central News who manages to report on City Council meetings he doesn't even bother to show up for.
Tom, is 420 your favourite number?
written by Tom T , September 10, 2010
Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus. His tactics are poor form, offensive to those who served this great city over 80 plus years, citizens and only hurts the men he helped to elect. Savage, Prassel and Weser are all gentlemen. I do not think any of them would throw cheap shots at any former mayor or council person. However Mr. Joseph's presents himself as a spoke person for these gentleman and his poor choice of words and barbs fly back on them. Also, Cooper, McCormick and Rosenthal although current council members they too have sat on past councils and his remarks are aimed as much at them as anyone else, which is totally unfair. These 6 elected officials are trying to work together, to do the work for the citizens of AH. Mr. Joseph needs to move forward and quit trying to create wedges.
Sorry for the delay in responding, we do not always have the best internet connection at the ranch. Read the article that Mr. Joseph wrote in the Advocate. "AH business Residents waited 20 years for this benchmark ordinance to make our city more walkable it only took this new Council three months to do."
I would not call this a benchmark ordinance, a little extreme. I have lived in Alamo Heights for 42 years. I have never heard anyone over the last 20 years (Mr. Joseph's number not mine) yelling for this, except for a handful of businessmen. I feel this was aimed at banks, and yes there is a gentleman that owns a piece of vacated property, which he wants to lease to a bank, but with this ordinance this has delayed or stopped his lease from moving forward. So we all know what this is about. And as far as a walkable community , I have developed a few properties in my life time and it will take a lot more to make Alamo Heights walkable (walkable communities would be a great item to discuss on this board).
Next, when Mr. Joseph used the number "20 years" he was throwing a barb at all the Mayors and Council Members that have served on Council the last twenty years (something I feel is very easy to do from the peanut gallery). I take exception to his remark. We have had some great gentlemen and ladies serve our City and to bash them is not very gentlemanly. The last twenty years I think Mayors Balthrope, Biechlin and Cooper and Council Members Cappy Lawton, John LeFlore, Mary Beth Gililiand, Glo Kehl, Jill Souter, Susan Harwell, Bill Kiel and of course the current council members McCormick, Rosenthal, have served and continue to serve our city honorably and well. They have given of their personal time to serving our city and all deserve a thank you and not cheap barbs. Have I always agreed with these public servants?- NO, but I do respect them and I think each one them has done a very good job.
I am not sure why you are trying to smear a reporter from the NCN, he has nothing to with this conversation,a little childish. and I would be careful of slander.
As far a my favorite number not even close. If you are trying to figure out my home address, well I own several properties in Alamo Heights, and I like to think I live in the clouds. If you are referring 420 as in four-twenty- the consumption of cannabis again childish and high schoolish don't you think?
Note of caution - the name Tommie Lou not sure if you are talking about the rapper or a neighbor rancher Ruth Tommie Lou from the I ranch. I would be careful using some else's name and putting a pen to it. Ask your lawyer about it. Using your name it is always best.
written by Tommie Lou , September 10, 2010
Tom T wrote "Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus."
What are you referring to or did you perhaps dream that? I've found him far more credible than our former councilman or the reporter from the North Central News who manages to report on City Council meetings he doesn't even bother to show up for.
Tom, is 420 your favourite number?
written by Tom T , September 10, 2010
Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus. His tactics are poor form, offensive to those who served this great city over 80 plus years, citizens and only hurts the men he helped to elect. Savage, Prassel and Weser are all gentlemen. I do not think any of them would throw cheap shots at any former mayor or council person. However Mr. Joseph's presents himself as a spoke person for these gentleman and his poor choice of words and barbs fly back on them. Also, Cooper, McCormick and Rosenthal although current council members they too have sat on past councils and his remarks are aimed as much at them as anyone else, which is totally unfair. These 6 elected officials are trying to work together, to do the work for the citizens of AH. Mr. Joseph needs to move forward and quit trying to create wedges.
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written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
Dear Bill T
Maybe we can do something about the content of the AH 09er. Thanks for the tip. Let me know how it goes the next couple of months.
Bill Kiel
Maybe we can do something about the content of the AH 09er. Thanks for the tip. Let me know how it goes the next couple of months.
Bill Kiel
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written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
Dear Bill T
The contents of the ordinance was created and approved by members of the Governance Committee, that's council member Rosenthal, Mayor Cooper and council member Prassel added for the I&R issue. The actual drafting of the ordinance would be done by a staff member and City attorney. That doesn't me they created the ordinance as you imply. Their job is to make sure it is correct relative to form and legal requirements. The content is the responsibility of the committee. It is quite obvious this is attack staff week.
Oh, I also notice you are attacking the other newsletter the "AH 09er". Is that because you fear it might eventually compete with the ADVOCATE. There's only one person I know who would even bring this up. I suggest you follow Graham Baker's lead and use your own name next time. We're trying to grow up on this site and end the junior high school stuff.
The contents of the ordinance was created and approved by members of the Governance Committee, that's council member Rosenthal, Mayor Cooper and council member Prassel added for the I&R issue. The actual drafting of the ordinance would be done by a staff member and City attorney. That doesn't me they created the ordinance as you imply. Their job is to make sure it is correct relative to form and legal requirements. The content is the responsibility of the committee. It is quite obvious this is attack staff week.
Oh, I also notice you are attacking the other newsletter the "AH 09er". Is that because you fear it might eventually compete with the ADVOCATE. There's only one person I know who would even bring this up. I suggest you follow Graham Baker's lead and use your own name next time. We're trying to grow up on this site and end the junior high school stuff.
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written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 11, 2010
Dear BLT (is that on toast?)
I'm saying Joseph MANUFACTURED 1010 as THE issue. It was never mentioned by me as a complaint and never brought up in the council meeting. Joseph failed to state the real reasons for why the council voted it down - NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC. I call that deception on Joseph's part, and then to distract further and use the deception to attack another person is shameful. Look at the video next time.
AHNA people pushed hard to get it passed, didn't they (check the video). So who is on the side of our citizens, the council members who slowed this thing down by voting no, or the AHNA people and THEIR council members who wanted full speed ahead?
That's the real issue hear, not the manufactured date.
Bill Kiel
I'm saying Joseph MANUFACTURED 1010 as THE issue. It was never mentioned by me as a complaint and never brought up in the council meeting. Joseph failed to state the real reasons for why the council voted it down - NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC. I call that deception on Joseph's part, and then to distract further and use the deception to attack another person is shameful. Look at the video next time.
AHNA people pushed hard to get it passed, didn't they (check the video). So who is on the side of our citizens, the council members who slowed this thing down by voting no, or the AHNA people and THEIR council members who wanted full speed ahead?
That's the real issue hear, not the manufactured date.
Bill Kiel
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written by BLT , September 11, 2010
written by BLT , September 11, 2010
Bill...are you now saying Mr. Joseph "manufactured" the year "1010" (sic) on the last City Council agenda? If so, you are incorrect again. I went back and looked. Joseph was right and somehow I bet our city mgr had more to do with writing that agenda than Joseph. Let's put blame where it belongs and for $130,000 I agree we are not getting our money's worth.
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written by Bill T , September 11, 2010
written by Bill T , September 11, 2010
Anyone notice how the "Zero Nine" thing has zero Alamo Heights news. What's up with that anyway? It seems to be more of an adpaper than a newspaper. My neighbors all enjoy reading the "Advocate" from cover to cover. Sounds like Kyle And Company are just poor losers.
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written by Bill T , September 11, 2010
written by Bill T , September 11, 2010
Common Sense could not be more wrong. Asst City Mgr Shawn Eddy took great pride in saying he wrote the ordinance and that the city's attorney checked it over.
It is fascinating how many different aliases the losers of the last year have assumed. You can't help but wonder if they also claim God told them to write their made-up hogwash
It is fascinating how many different aliases the losers of the last year have assumed. You can't help but wonder if they also claim God told them to write their made-up hogwash
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written by Tommie Lou , September 10, 2010
written by Tommie Lou , September 10, 2010
Tom T wrote "Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus."
What are you referring to or did you perhaps dream that? I've found him far more credible than our former councilman or the reporter from the North Central News who manages to report on City Council meetings he doesn't even bother to show up for.
Tom, is 420 your favourite number?
What are you referring to or did you perhaps dream that? I've found him far more credible than our former councilman or the reporter from the North Central News who manages to report on City Council meetings he doesn't even bother to show up for.
Tom, is 420 your favourite number?
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written by EKS , September 10, 2010
written by EKS , September 10, 2010
Mr. Kiel
Thank you for your very informative response. Greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your very informative response. Greatly appreciated.
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written by wfkiel , September 10, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 10, 2010
EKS - I agree with your well stated concerns and assessment although IR cannot be used for changing the form of government. That would require an amendment to the charter. Mr. Joseph's curious attack on Ms McGlone's salary may be a clue, as you suggest, for a possible use of IR. It is interesting to look at the IR provisions in the Boerne charter. They have the following exceptions for IR power: "...such power shall not extend to the budget or capital program or any ordinance relating to appropriation of money, levy of taxes or salaries of City officers or employees or any ordinance relating to the issuance and sale of bonds." Notice they walled off city salaries. Maybe they had to contend with this same problem? Also, notice that they don't exempt zoning like the AH IR proposal. As an example, if only three members of the Council were to approve the granting of an SUP to a property owner to build a 20 story high rise, the voters would not be able to use the referendum powers to repeal the SUP or even prevent such SUPs from being granted.
Initiative and referendum are separate and independent concepts, one makes law and the other repeals EXISTING law. Some people are fine with referendum but are concerned about small powerful, unaccountable groups of citizens making law that might violate State and/or Federal Law, thereby embroiling the City in expensive lawsuits while the taxpayers foot the bill. I believe this is why the City committee's initial recommendation was to proposed referendum only.
If both I & R are proposed then they should be as separate ballot initiatives so voters have an option to select one or both. This is supported by the Texas Local Gov't Code - Chapter 9 Section 9.004:
"...(d) An amendment may not contain more than one subject.
(e) The ballot shall be prepared so that a voter may approve or disapprove any one or more amendments without having to approve or disapprove all of the amendments."
Bill Kiel
Initiative and referendum are separate and independent concepts, one makes law and the other repeals EXISTING law. Some people are fine with referendum but are concerned about small powerful, unaccountable groups of citizens making law that might violate State and/or Federal Law, thereby embroiling the City in expensive lawsuits while the taxpayers foot the bill. I believe this is why the City committee's initial recommendation was to proposed referendum only.
If both I & R are proposed then they should be as separate ballot initiatives so voters have an option to select one or both. This is supported by the Texas Local Gov't Code - Chapter 9 Section 9.004:
"...(d) An amendment may not contain more than one subject.
(e) The ballot shall be prepared so that a voter may approve or disapprove any one or more amendments without having to approve or disapprove all of the amendments."
Bill Kiel
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written by Tom T , September 10, 2010
written by Tom T , September 10, 2010
Mr. Joseph needs to quit throwing every council member, mayor and council under the bus. His tactics are poor form, offensive to those who served this great city over 80 plus years, citizens and only hurts the men he helped to elect. Savage, Prassel and Weser are all gentlemen. I do not think any of them would throw cheap shots at any former mayor or council person. However Mr. Joseph's presents himself as a spoke person for these gentleman and his poor choice of words and barbs fly back on them. Also, Cooper, McCormick and Rosenthal although current council members they too have sat on past councils and his remarks are aimed as much at them as anyone else, which is totally unfair. These 6 elected officials are trying to work together, to do the work for the citizens of AH. Mr. Joseph needs to move forward and quit trying to create wedges.
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written by SAR , September 09, 2010
written by SAR , September 09, 2010
To quote one of my favorite Presidents - "If you can't convince them, confuse them." Harry S. Truman
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written by EKS , September 09, 2010
written by EKS , September 09, 2010
Mr. Kiel - I am in general agreement with your statement regarding IR (which I am a proponent of). However, I have to ask myself - why were so many provisions excluded from the IR. It seem that basically there is nothing left other than to change the form of government! Why the fast track, what is the rush, and what is the real agenda?
It has become clear to me, that the whole IR issue is not about a true IR and what the citizens want and expect. Instead this limited IR and effort to change the form of government is just a good old fashion "witch hunt". Obviously, a hand full of citizens want to get rid of several city employees - all based on personalities, hidden agendas, grudges, and petty thoughts of how much someone should get paid. Do they know what the going rate is for City Managers? Maybe there needs to be some education on the significant responsibilities a City Manager has with today's challenges of municipal management and how much a City Manager means to a community. There seems to be a lack of appreciation for City Managers in general. I do not see this "hand full of citizens" offering to step up to the plate and either run for office or work with the city to help accomplish great things for our citizens. It is just easier to run off good employees and be anti everything.
If the IR was that important, then perhaps Council should have worked on this and scheduled public hearings in July to meet their deadline. Apparently, it was not that important. The typical process is that a Council member introduces an ordinance, then attends meetings of the council committee that has oversight of such an ordinance, then attends council meetings for discussion of the ordinance - doesn't the responsibility lie with the Council member? The Council member should have marshaled this through the system So he messed up, so what, you don't have to throw the staff under the bus to cover up his shortcomings. On the contrary- I think they owe both the City Manager and City Attorney a big "THANK YOU!" - they probably saved the city from a lawsuit and both of them were just conscientiously doing their job. Both were upholding the Open Meetings Act (state LAW) which is there for our protection. They probably won't thank them, so I will - THANK YOU Ms. McGlone and Mr. Brenan for knowing the law and doing your jobs! We have a much bigger learning curve than I thought. I am trying to be patient, but it is very hard when a great injustice has been served upon our staff.
When you watch the City Council video, it is very obvious that this was the first step in an effort to discredit staff - instead of taking responsibility themselves. I think the article in that Advocate is inaccurate to say the least, very shallow, oversteps the bounds of responsibility and makes the author look small and petty.
It has become clear to me, that the whole IR issue is not about a true IR and what the citizens want and expect. Instead this limited IR and effort to change the form of government is just a good old fashion "witch hunt". Obviously, a hand full of citizens want to get rid of several city employees - all based on personalities, hidden agendas, grudges, and petty thoughts of how much someone should get paid. Do they know what the going rate is for City Managers? Maybe there needs to be some education on the significant responsibilities a City Manager has with today's challenges of municipal management and how much a City Manager means to a community. There seems to be a lack of appreciation for City Managers in general. I do not see this "hand full of citizens" offering to step up to the plate and either run for office or work with the city to help accomplish great things for our citizens. It is just easier to run off good employees and be anti everything.
If the IR was that important, then perhaps Council should have worked on this and scheduled public hearings in July to meet their deadline. Apparently, it was not that important. The typical process is that a Council member introduces an ordinance, then attends meetings of the council committee that has oversight of such an ordinance, then attends council meetings for discussion of the ordinance - doesn't the responsibility lie with the Council member? The Council member should have marshaled this through the system So he messed up, so what, you don't have to throw the staff under the bus to cover up his shortcomings. On the contrary- I think they owe both the City Manager and City Attorney a big "THANK YOU!" - they probably saved the city from a lawsuit and both of them were just conscientiously doing their job. Both were upholding the Open Meetings Act (state LAW) which is there for our protection. They probably won't thank them, so I will - THANK YOU Ms. McGlone and Mr. Brenan for knowing the law and doing your jobs! We have a much bigger learning curve than I thought. I am trying to be patient, but it is very hard when a great injustice has been served upon our staff.
When you watch the City Council video, it is very obvious that this was the first step in an effort to discredit staff - instead of taking responsibility themselves. I think the article in that Advocate is inaccurate to say the least, very shallow, oversteps the bounds of responsibility and makes the author look small and petty.
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written by cowgirlup , September 09, 2010
written by cowgirlup , September 09, 2010
Well, gosh, the best way I can sum up the difference in the video and the AHNA article is this:
"If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: "President Can't Swim." ~Lyndon B. Johnson
"If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: "President Can't Swim." ~Lyndon B. Johnson
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written by PL , September 09, 2010
written by PL , September 09, 2010
Just received the Ahna paper today (Thursday) the lunch was two days ago (Tuesday) - I thought it was next week.
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written by Ben , September 09, 2010
written by Ben , September 09, 2010
With 619,000 hits, a lot of people will find the videos more useful than the Founders Corner. IT'S TIME HAS COME to have a permanent record. You can run but you can't hide anymore.
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written by BUD , September 09, 2010
written by BUD , September 09, 2010
I'd say the $1.00 per year we are paying the 3 new councilmen is too much for people with no prior Council experience. For that amount people expect competency and not to have to provide on the job training.
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written by Common Sense , September 09, 2010
written by Common Sense , September 09, 2010
I watched all the videos and now am very glad that I did.
It is clear that the "Founder's Corner" is a work of complete fiction. It is far, far from reality.
Either Mr. Joseph did not attend the meeting or he did not watch the videos - either way, his ramblings are just more of the same. He cannot be a cheerleader for "his" candidates because it was their lack of transparency ("blunders") that caused the delay in I & R. No one who spoke was Against I & R.
The I & R issue was brought forward by Mr. Prassel and he should have been the one to monitor it's progress. I also recall that in June he was invited by the Mayor to join with the Mayor and CC Rosenthal to work on the issue. Then Mr. Prassel took off the entire month of July.
It is not staff who writes the ordinances - it is the City attorney. He must do so to insure that all legal requirements are met.
Lets us not forget that Prassel admitted that he just Googled some unknown city with no knowledge of whether or not it was even compatible with our charter. If you watch the video we cannot even discern if Mr. Prassel used an ordinance from the State of Texas. For all we know he copied something from Michigan.
The cover up is worse than the crime. It would have been so easy to explain new Councilmen eager to get to work, but not understanding the limitations, that they got ahead of themselves. That line would appeal to our "Common Sense". Joseph's trying to cover their tracks is pathetic.
It is clear that the "Founder's Corner" is a work of complete fiction. It is far, far from reality.
Either Mr. Joseph did not attend the meeting or he did not watch the videos - either way, his ramblings are just more of the same. He cannot be a cheerleader for "his" candidates because it was their lack of transparency ("blunders") that caused the delay in I & R. No one who spoke was Against I & R.
The I & R issue was brought forward by Mr. Prassel and he should have been the one to monitor it's progress. I also recall that in June he was invited by the Mayor to join with the Mayor and CC Rosenthal to work on the issue. Then Mr. Prassel took off the entire month of July.
It is not staff who writes the ordinances - it is the City attorney. He must do so to insure that all legal requirements are met.
Lets us not forget that Prassel admitted that he just Googled some unknown city with no knowledge of whether or not it was even compatible with our charter. If you watch the video we cannot even discern if Mr. Prassel used an ordinance from the State of Texas. For all we know he copied something from Michigan.
The cover up is worse than the crime. It would have been so easy to explain new Councilmen eager to get to work, but not understanding the limitations, that they got ahead of themselves. That line would appeal to our "Common Sense". Joseph's trying to cover their tracks is pathetic.
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written by cowgirlup , September 09, 2010
written by cowgirlup , September 09, 2010
Miss Jane and BJ you should be so lucky. I have tried to stop delivery to my address.
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written by wfkiel , September 09, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 09, 2010
Dear JAK44,
Mr. Joseph's "Founder's Corner" opinions are not journalism anymore than my opinion pieces are journalism. They are just opinions. Maybe supported by facts, maybe not, but just opinions and at their worst opinions can become propaganda to further an agenda.
Mr. Joseph's "Founder's Corner" opinions are not journalism anymore than my opinion pieces are journalism. They are just opinions. Maybe supported by facts, maybe not, but just opinions and at their worst opinions can become propaganda to further an agenda.
...
written by JAK44 , September 08, 2010
written by JAK44 , September 08, 2010
Wfkiel hit the operative word - manufactured. This is the same old style that the Advocate has used for more than a year. The purpose of the Joseph article was 1) to take attention away from his Councilpersons amateur attempt to ram through something without transparency and 2) to blame staff for the error.
I think we have now seen the hand that AHNA wants to use the I & R for - to change our government back to the old day when Council did as they pleased and nothing got done. They need to use the Referendum to roll back our prior votes. They need to berate staff as incompetent to prove that this is not working.
Same old yellow journalism we have seen for the last year. Is this Joseph guy some kind of frustrated writer or editor?
Don't we all wish that we would be given a platform for free to give everyone our take on things?
I think we have now seen the hand that AHNA wants to use the I & R for - to change our government back to the old day when Council did as they pleased and nothing got done. They need to use the Referendum to roll back our prior votes. They need to berate staff as incompetent to prove that this is not working.
Same old yellow journalism we have seen for the last year. Is this Joseph guy some kind of frustrated writer or editor?
Don't we all wish that we would be given a platform for free to give everyone our take on things?
...
written by BJ , September 08, 2010
written by BJ , September 08, 2010
Miss Jane I also have not received a copy since June. I had just assumed you had to subscribed after so many months of getting complimentary issues. I know my back neighbor does not receive one either.
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written by wfkiel , September 08, 2010
written by wfkiel , September 08, 2010
Dear ATB86,
I agree with you that it would be nice to forget past differences. I'm sure many of our residents, me included, would like a calmer, more respectful environment, much as it was in the past. But I found the attack on the city staff, and in particular the city manager unwarranted. And it was clearly intentional, to manufacture an issue about the incorrect year as if this was the real problem and make the staff look incompetent. The whole salary tirade was childish and I encourage Mr. Joseph to think about his actions, or at least talk to someone, before he acts in the future.
Bill Kiel
I agree with you that it would be nice to forget past differences. I'm sure many of our residents, me included, would like a calmer, more respectful environment, much as it was in the past. But I found the attack on the city staff, and in particular the city manager unwarranted. And it was clearly intentional, to manufacture an issue about the incorrect year as if this was the real problem and make the staff look incompetent. The whole salary tirade was childish and I encourage Mr. Joseph to think about his actions, or at least talk to someone, before he acts in the future.
Bill Kiel
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written by Miss Jane , September 08, 2010
written by Miss Jane , September 08, 2010
I haven't gotten an issue in the past few months. Now I am curious to see the original.
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written by confused , September 08, 2010
written by confused , September 08, 2010
I am a first time poster. Having once been a member of AHNA I am quite surprise that Mr. Joseph and AHNA would support such a water down version of the IR. I copied this from another loop, it is my understanding that everything on this list would be excluded from from IR. So what is left and why are they pushing so hard and fast? I would think that AHNA would want a number of these items in the IR.
written by AH resident , August 07, 2010
IR may not be such a bad idea we could get the following done faster.
as I have posted before I would like to petition the city with the following:
1. IMPACT and or DEVELOPMENT FEES
2. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS - In Commercial and Multi Family area.
3. SUP's make it harder to obtain a SUP or do away with completely
4. SPECIAL TAX on the Commercial District owners to pay for improvements and drainage project along Broadway.
5. NO ENCROACHMENT by Commerical into neighborhoods
6. Repeal the 65/senior tax freeze
SUP should be done ASAP!!!
written by AH resident , August 07, 2010
IR may not be such a bad idea we could get the following done faster.
as I have posted before I would like to petition the city with the following:
1. IMPACT and or DEVELOPMENT FEES
2. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS - In Commercial and Multi Family area.
3. SUP's make it harder to obtain a SUP or do away with completely
4. SPECIAL TAX on the Commercial District owners to pay for improvements and drainage project along Broadway.
5. NO ENCROACHMENT by Commerical into neighborhoods
6. Repeal the 65/senior tax freeze
SUP should be done ASAP!!!
...
written by Cowgirlup , September 08, 2010
written by Cowgirlup , September 08, 2010
The video does not lie!!! TIme to cowboy up, quit relying on amateurs for advice and learn the laws of our city and great state!
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written by Sally G , September 08, 2010
written by Sally G , September 08, 2010
Funny, how some people want to use the Open meetings act when it is convenient for them. When they need it for an issue they use it, but when it is inconvenient they are willing to toss it aside. Pretty scary. The law is there for a reason, that is to protect ALL citizens right to know what their government is doing. We should all be concerned when any elected official, group, or citizen is so willingly to discard it or toss it aside.
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written by TJW , September 08, 2010
written by TJW , September 08, 2010
Listen to the tape or watch the video. It was not an Agenda blunder! This is about fast tracking and not knowing the law or the timing sequence. Step up and take the responsibility and quit blaming someone else (like staff) for your mistake and lack of knowledge. It is not life or death. It will go in May and will probably get more support by allowing citizens more time to learn about the issue. I have to ask, why the rush, what is the agenda here? No harm was done. If anything we are following a very important law, isn't that what we all want and should expect, nothing less.
As my grandfather the General always said "IF YOU ARE GONNA LEAD THEN YOU BETTER READ"!
I would like to add LEARN with the laws. Great leaders take responsibililty, they don't blame some else for their mistakes or use cheap journalism articles to defend themselves. All that does is cheapen you and is disrespectful to the citizens of Alamo Heights. Become knowledgeable!
As my grandfather the General always said "IF YOU ARE GONNA LEAD THEN YOU BETTER READ"!
I would like to add LEARN with the laws. Great leaders take responsibililty, they don't blame some else for their mistakes or use cheap journalism articles to defend themselves. All that does is cheapen you and is disrespectful to the citizens of Alamo Heights. Become knowledgeable!
...
written by AHMatron , September 08, 2010
written by AHMatron , September 08, 2010
ATB86, I think the "complete fabrication" was Joseph's assertion that the problem was about the date being wrong 1010 instead of 2010. I look at the video and I didn't hear anything about the date. What was wrong was that they hadn't let citizens know what was being discussed. Being too vague can be a type of deception. I was bothered that Joseph tried to blame everything on the City Manager when it was obviously Prassel and Weser's amendment.
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written by Ben , September 08, 2010
written by Ben , September 08, 2010
John Joseph forgot the best line of the night - "IT'S TIME HAS COME!!!"
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written by ATB86 , September 08, 2010
written by ATB86 , September 08, 2010
I just dug mine out of the recycle bin to read it myself, and with all due respect, Joseph says "among other things" and two sentences later he refers to the citizen who questioned a "vague, poorly worded" agenda item. I don't understand why you are accusing him of a complete fabrication.
Savage voted against it, an obvious split ticket that indicates to me the three new council members were supported by AHNA but speak for themselves. I still can't understand why Weser was so adamant about it.
I think the new Council is working together well, and while I don't agree with everything they do, I think they all deserve a chance. I'm not a member of the AHNA and depend on this blog for a lot of information. I like the way it is becoming civilized with fewer and fewer stabs, and appreciate your knowledge. However, it is time to forget past differences and move on.
Savage voted against it, an obvious split ticket that indicates to me the three new council members were supported by AHNA but speak for themselves. I still can't understand why Weser was so adamant about it.
I think the new Council is working together well, and while I don't agree with everything they do, I think they all deserve a chance. I'm not a member of the AHNA and depend on this blog for a lot of information. I like the way it is becoming civilized with fewer and fewer stabs, and appreciate your knowledge. However, it is time to forget past differences and move on.
...
written by JAK44 , September 08, 2010
written by JAK44 , September 08, 2010
Well, well. Guess having the videos online is a good way to check our favorite yellow journalist and make sure that he holds himself to highest journalistic standards. He's now about as reliable as the NYT.
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written by Patriot , September 08, 2010
written by Patriot , September 08, 2010
Don't they know the state laws and public notification rules. The official notification posting is with Prime Time. It was First, the Northside SA Times, now it is the North Central News, plus the city web site and the bulletin board outside City Hall. That Advocate thing does not count, it is not official. So what is Weser talking about?
I learned all this while attending a Council meeting with my son and his scout troop a couple years back - Mr. McCormick and the City attorney took the time to explain it to a couple of citizens.
Mr. Kiel you are correct, I just listen to the tape again and the vote was 3 -2. I am Thankful that 3 of them got it right.
I learned all this while attending a Council meeting with my son and his scout troop a couple years back - Mr. McCormick and the City attorney took the time to explain it to a couple of citizens.
Mr. Kiel you are correct, I just listen to the tape again and the vote was 3 -2. I am Thankful that 3 of them got it right.
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