Allow me to take a short "detour" before blogging about the first council meeting. New councilman Chuck Garner has noted that a number of council members began their service by appointment. I agree with that observation. He goes on to wonder why appointments instead of elections, and infers this all started once Yost ( who he demonstrates a dislike for) became City Manager. Good news -- the answers are simple and common sense.
First, appointment is legal and can be verified - I will allow Chuck to confirm if he will.
Secondly, I will speak to the three appointments made during my stay on council. Chuck may not be familiar with Carleen Bright, but she resigned after years and years on the council. I had previously made it known to Mayor Don Baker that I would have an interest in serving on the council in the future. At the time of Carleen's resignation, I was serving on the Woodway Planning and Zoning Commission. Although I knew who they were, I had no previous relationship with Yost or any of the serving council members. I was interviewed by a few council members and Don, and was asked to serve. I went unchallenged the first time my seat came up for reelection.
The next appointment was De Smith for the seat vacated by Rodney Kroll. Rodney, like Carleen, had served a number of years on the council. He left to represent our area on the brand new Water District Board that was formed under a mandate by the state. De Smith came with a strong history of service and at the time was serving on the Planning and Zoning Board. I had recommended De as she had always served with an independent voice on P&Z, never afraid to speak up for citizens' interests.
The final appointment was Scott Giddenings for the seat vacated by Tony Wommack. Tony resigned his seat because he and his family moved to a new house outside the city limits. Due to living outside the city, he became ineligible to serve on the council. Two written requests through the city newsletter were put out asking for anyone interested to submit an application. The number of respondents was very small ( I remember two, but it could have been four). Of those, Scott had previous City Council service with the city of Marble Falls. He also served as Mayor of Marble Falls as well. Three council members, Jane, Don, and I interviewed Scott before recommending him. He had no previous relationship with anyone on the council. What he did have was strong references and great experience.
So why fill seats by appointment? First it is legally acceptable. Secondly, TML (the Texas Municipal League) recognizes this method as a valid and approved method. Finally, it saves money.
To hold a special election costs thousands of dollars, a cost the city must bear.
A couple of final comments. The system of appointing people with city government experience has proven historically successful. Look at the lack of real conflict in the past, tax rate held, and responsible city budget. Also understand the Planning and Zoning Committee comes closest of all committees to dealing with issues that a council sees. It has always proven a good place to find people that understand our city workings and have a desire to serve. Then there is the city of Waco. Today in the Waco Trib, dated 5/30/10, front page of section 1B, is an article detailing the city of Waco and how they will be appointing someone to fill a vacant council seat. Obviously they find it an acceptable practice. Here's one last observation. None of the 4 new councilmen have any city government experience; in fact prior to election, they had not volunteered for city service on any commission or board. This explains why Mr. Garner doesn't know anything about appointments.
Chuck is calling for all future vacancies to be filled by special election. With the rise of the OBric party and their agenda, that is probably best for the citizens of Woodway.
Although he did not try to find out why appointments were used in the past, I urge him to put this to our citizens. Just be sure and explain to them the complete truth about appointments as well as the additional cost to taxpayers.
Okay, back on task. Next Blog, the First Council Meeting.
