• Originally published September 1, 2010 at 4:55 p.m., updated September 1, 2010 at 4:55 p.m.

When talking to friends last week I was told, “Hey Tim you need to go to council meeting next Thursday night its gonna be goooood.” Since Thursday night television has becoming boring at times, I decided to attend our local council meeting. The gallery was packed with outraged people with limited information who immediately caught me at the door and asking questions of what I thought about the city ordinance being proposed. I was amazed at how many people had not read the city charter or even knew what it was. They in turn were amazed when I told them that the mauyor actually never had the sole power they thought city council was taking away from him…I told them my father fought this charter 25 years ago when he was mayor because it took so much power away from the office.

And then the drama played out…there was shouting from the gallery and hallway, disruption in the meeting and a lot of tempers flairing. I kept looking around to see if anyone had a rope or tar and feathers. It brings to memory the old joke that I decided to attend a fight and a city council meeting broke out. To my surprise nothing was done to restore order it was like this disruption was intentional.

Whether any citizen felt they were right or wrong, or even indifferent I was appalled in the mnner in which a crown portrayed themselves. What everyone in Bay City needs to do is wake up. In reality our city charter has never provided specific remedies for conflict between council and mayor. It was designed that both parties work together. Should significant conflicts arise everything comes to a grinding halt. It’s almost biblical when one thinks about it. We have a $600,000 shortfall in our budget and we are arguing over who can expand the city’s payroll. We shouldn’t be arguing over power, we should be arguing over dollars. I think we are all ticked off at government these days but the answer is participation and involvement not armchair politicians. As a result I walked away early disappointed and ashamed. Next Thursday I believe I will sit down and read a good book perhaps even the city charter. Maybe a Jerry Springer re-run will be on.

Tim Bell

Former Council member

Bay City

• Print
• •
• Share
  • Share this item

    Send this to a friend

  • Grab the link

    Copy and paste the link:

  • Blog about it

    Blog about this page.

  • Close
• •
• Favorite