Rogers Rules of Order

I almost titled this "A time to talk, a time to shut up" but the main point of the story would be lost on the pettiness and endless droning of a councilmember.

At the July 28, 2009 Longmont City Council meeting, at the very end during the often entertaining Council Comments, Councilmember Gabe Santos made a motion to end all litigation with the City of Firestone. This is something long overdue, especially considering these hard economic times. This is a loser of a lawsuit and appeal with money down the drain that will never come back. But there were some games going on before Mr. Santos even got to this point.

If you look at the video, council took a break which was extended by a few minutes when Councilmember Sarah Levison came back late from the break and then asked Mayor Roger Lange out of chambers. What was said during that conversation? Either of you like to say? Didn't think so.

It must have been significant as when it came time for council comments the Mayor ripped right through and went straight to City Manager remarks, which usually means Council Comments are closed. Luckily City Manager Gordon Pedrow, probably to Mayor Lange's chagrin, said he doesn't normally speak when councilmembers microphone lights are one.

So Mr. Santos got to speak. While he was trying to make his motion, the councilmember seated next to him, Sarah Levison, was trying to yell over the top of him. This goes back to the first sentence above - it's not as if Ms. Levison doesn't get her chance to speak. Her penchant for going on endlessly and often repetitiously is legendary. She knew what Mr. Santos was going to say apparently, how is that? Care to answer? Didn't think so. Odd as she rarely skips the chance to talk (a lot).

As much as I talk and write, I listen, read, and observe a lot more. I know some people just don't care about what I have to say, or do but don't need to hear it endlessly. Ms. Levison could take a tip here, but also a lesson in rules of order and civility. The sad part is when she really has something important or interesting to say, people would have tuned out with eyes long rolled.

But what Mayor Lange did was possibly worse: even after getting a second (from Councilmember Mary Blue) for Mr. Santos motion, he wouldn't allow it. I don't believe I've ever seen that happen before, with any mayor or council. This entire legal fiasco with Firestone needs to be made completely public and under the scrutiny of councils constituents - that would be all of us. No more secret meetings called by who knows who (my guess based on past comments would be Councilmembers Sean McCoy and Karen Benker) who have a vendetta against Firestone, Weld County, and LifeBridge Christian Church.

Sort of like a speaker at public invited said tonight, how about our City Attorney Eugene Mei actually do something. Start with this. Lets put these people on record, no more hiding. If enough people hear about what occurred tonight it should amount to some more votes for Mr. Santos - and a few less for Mayor Lange and any council member who supports this legal and financial disgrace with a neighbor city.