Naked at The Last Supper

Speaking publicly at the Council of Commissioner's meeting is like the bad dream we've all had where you find yourself naked in the classroom in front of your peers - and no one is paying attention.

Upon entering the Council Chambers you have unwittingly walked into a dream-like vision of The Last Supper - 12 Commissioners surrounding a central figure. When it is finally your turn to speak, you must stand for judgement before the elevated council with your backside exposed to the audience.

I have seen brave citizens stand up on Wednesday nights to make their statements, imploring the Council to listen to their carefully prepared speech on an issue of great importance to them. Their voice begins to tremble with nerves when they become aware of how incredibly exposed they feel. Many of the Council members shuffle papers, check their computers, text, or simply look away bored as they mentally prepare for their upcoming verbal battle. The citizen's carefully crafted words have become background noise in the cavernous chamber.

I do not blame the Commissioners for this entire situation. The problem exists because the Council is always in a reactionary mode rather than a forward-looking citizen-generated mode. The separation between the Executive Branch (Chief Executive and staff) and the Legislative Branch (Council of Commissioners) has become confused and is currently out of compliance with our Charter Form of Government.

But that does not negate the fact that ALL citizens taking the time and finding the bravery to speak should be treated with the same basic respect and attention from every Commissioner. I assure you I will make this a priority.

But until then, you should put "Testifying in front of the Council" on your bucket list so that you may experience the one-time rush of embarrassment of finding yourself naked in public while you are completely ignored by most!

Now, that is Government GaGa!