Well folks, the election happened. I've taken the last week to try to decide what to say. At first I wanted to discuss the likely 4-4 votes that will be coming up, very interesting considering that most of the Green Team supporters complain in general about the slow pace of government action (as if that's a surprise, for government at any level). Then I wanted to write a listing of all the things I warned will happen, so down the road, I could say "I told you so." But I don't want to be able to say I told you so. I love this city and look forward to it's continued growth and success, and as such, I hope the best for the two new council-members. So instead, I've decided to remind the new council-members what got them elected, and let them know that at least this one anonymous citizen will be watching, and ready to call them out should they stray from what they've promised:
1. A divergence from politics as usual in League City
2. To not fight growth but try to ensure it's orderly and desired growth
3. To not raise taxes
4. To prevent unnecessary spending
5. To restore "civility" and "dignity" to city government
That being said, the Green Team is in for quite a ride. Their most vocal and lunatic fringe of supporters (Marc Edelman, Holly Shelden, Mick Phalen, Bill Heins, Mel & Sandra Kelley, Jay Ewend, Karl Wankowicz, Dee Scott, and the former mayors and council members with bitter grudges) are creating quite the Catch22 for Green Team. See, if the Mayor and his pals on the Green Team are TRULY committed to restoring civility and a divergence from politics as usual, they would do the following:
1. Stop butting heads with the City Manager/City Attorney, and actually try working with them. I realize the Mayor feels slighted, but the fact is he is just as much a part of creating the bad environment and relationship as the City Manager is. Someone has to take the lead on mending that relationship, and given that the Green Team has promised civility, the Mayor should lead by example. But Marc Edelman insists on trying to tie some imaginary connection to a few disgruntled people in Joplin to League City in an effort to discredit the City Manager, and given his massive support of the Green Team including hosting their victory celebration, it's doubtful he will sit quietly by while the relationship gets fixed. So appeasing their vocal core and living up to their promises can't be done for the Green Team - so which will it be, live up to what got you elected, or demonstrate that this city voted to swap one political machine for another?
2. Stop with the useless ethics committee complaints already. It was the wrong place to challenge the Mayor's lack of understanding of a council-manager form of government, and it's the wrong place to try to "fix" our city government. This ethics council is largely a joke. It's essentially toothless, and it's a big waste of time and money. Seriously, this is EXACTLY more of the same, and it's the type of stuff the citizens have spoke with their votes to get away from.
3. Figure out a way to attract businesses to be able to fund all the traffic improvements and water infrastructure upgrades that your supporters are expecting. Otherwise, you won't have any choice but to disappoint them or raise taxes.
This is a short list for now, but it's not going to be easy. Good luck, and I'll be watching!
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