Rebuttal Re: Elk Grove Citizens Code of Ethics
I am very much an advocate for freedom of speech and political dissent. In fact, I went to the Sacramento County Grand Jury years ago to ad...
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2009/06/rebuttal-re-elk-grove-citizens-code-of.html
I am very much an advocate for freedom of speech and political dissent. In fact, I went to the Sacramento County Grand Jury years ago to advocate for citizens of Elk Grove on that very subject and received a ruling on our behalf to ensure Freedom of Speech. Funny, I didn't see Mr. Daniel there testifying.
The council meeting in question got so out of hand that Mayor Pat Hume had to speak up to keep the meeting from getting unruly. By doing so, he kept the meeting from getting much worse than it was.
What I objected to is the use of the F-word with members of the Youth Commission in the room and the tirades of a couple others. I don't think it is appropriate to yell at the council from our seats and storm around the chambers. In fact, Bob Felts offered up an apology at the next which I think is admirable.
If Mr. Daniel thinks that is appropriate for members of the public to yell and use the F-word with children in the room, that is his right. Frankly, I don't. Again, that was my only objection so let's not take my request out of context.
But Mr. Daniel is right about one thing. The council has evolved to a better place with better governance and with that the willingness to engage the public in the process. But it was a fight, no doubt about it. Mr. Daniel knows this, as he was there, when we citizens were fighting to be heard. And if memory serves me correctly, Mr. Daniel was there supporting us "loud mouths" all the way, even taking to the podium a time or two himself. Does anyone recall his famous "Who is Michael Leary" public comment?
And for those of us who regularly attend council meetings and now apply a softer touch, it is because we no longer have to fight to be heard. But it was a fight to get to where we are today, and the result is we replaced three of the original council members. Mr. Daniel should know this because he based his recall of Jim Cooper and Michael Leary on past actions of the council.
This council is leading by example now and I will not apologize for thinking we should do the same. There is no more fighting the Elk Grove City Council, Jason. Isn't that what we all worked so hard to obtain?
Sincerely,
Connie Conley
The council meeting in question got so out of hand that Mayor Pat Hume had to speak up to keep the meeting from getting unruly. By doing so, he kept the meeting from getting much worse than it was.
What I objected to is the use of the F-word with members of the Youth Commission in the room and the tirades of a couple others. I don't think it is appropriate to yell at the council from our seats and storm around the chambers. In fact, Bob Felts offered up an apology at the next which I think is admirable.
If Mr. Daniel thinks that is appropriate for members of the public to yell and use the F-word with children in the room, that is his right. Frankly, I don't. Again, that was my only objection so let's not take my request out of context.
But Mr. Daniel is right about one thing. The council has evolved to a better place with better governance and with that the willingness to engage the public in the process. But it was a fight, no doubt about it. Mr. Daniel knows this, as he was there, when we citizens were fighting to be heard. And if memory serves me correctly, Mr. Daniel was there supporting us "loud mouths" all the way, even taking to the podium a time or two himself. Does anyone recall his famous "Who is Michael Leary" public comment?
And for those of us who regularly attend council meetings and now apply a softer touch, it is because we no longer have to fight to be heard. But it was a fight to get to where we are today, and the result is we replaced three of the original council members. Mr. Daniel should know this because he based his recall of Jim Cooper and Michael Leary on past actions of the council.
This council is leading by example now and I will not apologize for thinking we should do the same. There is no more fighting the Elk Grove City Council, Jason. Isn't that what we all worked so hard to obtain?
Sincerely,
Connie Conley
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2 comments
The code of ethics for citizens really doesn't matter. Its more of a statement of expected behavior, IE: not cussing in front of children. In the end, it can't actually silence free speech, its just more of a gentleman's agreement of sorts, no real punch, because it can;t have any real bite.
Wow. I don't know if I should be excited to return home to EG or apprehensive.
What the h-e-double hockey sticks is going on there!?
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