|
|
|
Independence, MO —
To the editor:
After serving Independence for 30 years as a police officer and eight years as a council member, I have a great sense of appreciation for the progress that has been made over that period. I love this town. I also have an understanding of how important it is to keep an open mind, to compromise when possible and to stay positive, even in the face of major challenges. Unfortunately, lately I have seen a rise in a number of those individuals that would advance negative views with little or no information and pass it off as fact.
With a strong personal arrogance, they assert that they know why the public voted a certain way, or that city business is conducted in a certain manner because of a desire to deceive the public. That only serves to stroke their own ego, and once they lay claim to a position or assertion, they won’t stop or let facts get in their way. Karen DeLuccie has just exhibited this behavior again by complaining in The Examiner about how some council members choose to have the city manager meet with them on an individual basis. What experience or knowledge does she have to conclude anything about these meetings, yet alone something sinister? None. In fact, I seem to recall that she used to commend previous administrations for working in the same exact way to address the needs of individual residents and areas of the city.
I chose to meet in that manner to ensure accountability from the city manager and the organization, and to help resolve issues of concern to those I represented. Does your boss ever ask to talk or meet with you at your job to see how things are going and to bring issues to your attention? My experience allows me to understand that not all issues and questions can be handled in a business meeting of the council. This is not a lack of “transparency,” it is effective management.
We have good city staff members in Independence, who are dedicated to the community and their professions. I urge you to not be misled by those that are only out to hear themselves talk and serve their egos, to not let them bring Independence down, and most of all to stay positive. The future of Independence is bright, and all of us can continue to move in that direction.
To the editor:
After serving Independence for 30 years as a police officer and eight years as a council member, I have a great sense of appreciation for the progress that has been made over that period. I love this town. I also have an understanding of how important it is to keep an open mind, to compromise when possible and to stay positive, even in the face of major challenges. Unfortunately, lately I have seen a rise in a number of those individuals that would advance negative views with little or no information and pass it off as fact.
With a strong personal arrogance, they assert that they know why the public voted a certain way, or that city business is conducted in a certain manner because of a desire to deceive the public. That only serves to stroke their own ego, and once they lay claim to a position or assertion, they won’t stop or let facts get in their way. Karen DeLuccie has just exhibited this behavior again by complaining in The Examiner about how some council members choose to have the city manager meet with them on an individual basis. What experience or knowledge does she have to conclude anything about these meetings, yet alone something sinister? None. In fact, I seem to recall that she used to commend previous administrations for working in the same exact way to address the needs of individual residents and areas of the city.
I chose to meet in that manner to ensure accountability from the city manager and the organization, and to help resolve issues of concern to those I represented. Does your boss ever ask to talk or meet with you at your job to see how things are going and to bring issues to your attention? My experience allows me to understand that not all issues and questions can be handled in a business meeting of the council. This is not a lack of “transparency,” it is effective management.
We have good city staff members in Independence, who are dedicated to the community and their professions. I urge you to not be misled by those that are only out to hear themselves talk and serve their egos, to not let them bring Independence down, and most of all to stay positive. The future of Independence is bright, and all of us can continue to move in that direction.
