Because I Said So

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
February 8

Remember when you mother said "Eat you peas"...and you had the audacity to ask "Why".  More than likely at some point (at least when you were a little one) the response was "Because I Said So!".

Discussion during the Comments from Alderman (sic) portion of the meeting led to a comment about the annual Candidates Forum being held at the WLIC Pavilion (at the end of March no less).  The Community Center where previous Forums have been held in years past is out.  Why? Booked, right?  Nope.  Just like last year, the Mayor, arbitrarily decided, it would not be made available, for free, to conduct the Forum.  (Tanya Finn, a candidate last year paid for the Community Center out of her pocket last year).  But wait you say, isn't it a Community Center?  And wouldn't it benefit the Community to have a Forum where candidates can speak and/or address questions from the Community.  Most folks would say Yes and Yes.  So what is the problem?

When challenged because "I Said So" he could not provide any solid evidence other than then we (the City) would have to provide it for free for others.  He could not specifically cite case law, precedent or any legal opinion that would discourage providing the CC for free for the Forum.  Furthermore, the City Attorney, observing the discussion, declined to bail out the Mayor when questioned...hmmm.

After a spirited back and forth the Mayor conceded he "would look into it".  My guess he will, probably before the year is over.

So what do you think?  Should we provide the CC, once a year, for free, to conduct a Candidates Forum for the annual WL Municipal election in April?  Providing of course the CC is available, and all candidates and citizens are advised of the Forum.

Maybe a call to the Mayor to give your 2 cents worth is in order...his home phone # is in the phone book...don't call City Hall, they have work to do.  If you prefer, his email address is pjbotbyl@aol.com.  Either way, I am sure he would appreciate your feedback.