I recently received a copy of an email that was sent to all the members of the city council saying that Councilmember Vicki Edwards and I acted unethically because we asked people to come and speak at a city council meeting. Here is a section of that email:
"it is worth noting that at the last Council meeting it was apparent to me and other members of the audience that Mr. Millard and Councilmember Edwards had both acted to bring forth citizens for the purpose of commenting negatively on the concept of sustainability previously presented by another Councilmember. This is not the first instance in which I have observed that both Councilmember Edwards--rather unethically, in my opinion--and Mr. Millard have apparently acted to recruit citizens to speak during the public comment process in an attempt to give their minority viewpoint on an issue the appearance of greater support than actually exists in the community."
Perhaps a little context would be helpful. If I recall correctly there were 6 people who spoke on sustainability that night. I was not one of them and I knew 3 of them; my friend Matt, who was at the previous meeting and who came back to comment, and Ray and Tova Burhen, who attend virtually every meeting.
So here is the question: Is it unethical to participate or to encourage others to participate even if you are in the minority? Or is it unethical to not participate, especially when you are in the minority?
In my opinion it is not only unethical not to participate but it is immoral to not stand up for the things you believe in and your right to express your opinion. The founders demonstrated great wisdom in placing the First Amendment first. It is the premier right protected by the power of the Constitution. We should never stifle debate on an issue because the other person has a minority viewpoint.
So I give the question to you. What do you say, ethical or not?
Who would say something as unconstitutional as that?
ReplyDeleteBarry
How did you get a copy of the email?
ReplyDeleteSkylar Hansen. Apparently he thinks that it is his responsibility to use the power of government and his political connections to silence the "minority opinion" on an issue. The funniest part of that position is every person who commented that night shared my opinion on the subject. So either he is unable to motivate even one person to show up from the massive majority of supporters or his opinion and that of Councilmember Walker are in fact the minority opinion. Which is ironic because that is who he wants to silence.
ReplyDeletea public records request
ReplyDeleteEncouraging citizens to actively participate in their government is one of the more important duties of elected officials and something I take very seriously. Any time a citizen approaches me with a topic he/she feels strongly about, I encourage him/her to speak about it at a council meeting regardless if I agree with the position or not. Past topics where I have been approached and encouraged people to speak have included Broadstripe service, various Microsoft-specific issues including the Connector and potential touchdown spaces, the city’s snow response and potential increases to fees and taxes. Ironically, after meeting with Mr. Hansen to hear his position on increasing the parks impact fee, I also encouraged him to speak at a council meeting even though his position differed from mine. Mr. Hansen’s baseless accusations of unethical behavior because I invite the public to speak at public meetings will not cause me to stop. I will continue to encourage all citizens to participate in their government and do everything I can to ensure their government listens and responds.
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is curious, the only person I invited to the meeting Mr. Hansen referred to in his email was my neighbor. He is a boy scout and needed to attend a city council meeting to earn a badge. And yes, I did encourage him to speak; I arranged for him to lead us in the flag salute.
Vicki Edwards
I do not see anything unethical happening here at all. The city council members are hardly infallible, and so it is appropriate to question their assumptions and decisions (in a respectful manner please - how we disagree with others speaks to our own character - being childish does no good). It is very appropriate to encourage participation and raise awareness of issues before the council. The is the entire premise behind political action committees and lobbyist groups. If it is unethical to behave in this manner, then I expect to see a mass exodus of lobbyists from Washington DC immediately.
ReplyDeleteWow. A new low. Let me see if I understand what Skylar is saying:
ReplyDelete-It is unethical for members of the public to be invited/encouraged to attend a public meeting
-It is unethical for the public to become aware of information, projects, agendas, etc. that will affect them
-It is unethical for the public to comment against any of this information, etc.
-It is unethical for an elected member of government to encourage citizens to participate in the government process
-It is unethical for a member of the public to encourage fellow citizens to participate in the government process
-It is unethical to encourage citizens to exercise their right to free speech, assembly...unless it suits the social / political agenda of Skylar Hansen.
The list grows.
Skylar, who made you king? Last time I checked, the Middle Ages were in the 14th Century.
Skylar Hansen commenting on 'ethics'?? LOL!!
ReplyDeleteDuring the last election, Hansen was seen sleeping in his truck, camped out at intersections with a giant Elizabeth Walker sign - and then seen taking her opponent's signs down in Duvall's neighborhoods (the police actually stopped him to have a chat).
Hansen has zero credibility. The email described above is typical of him trying to get his way at all cost.
In fairness to Mr. Hansen he was not actually seen kicking over a sign. He was seen standing next to a sign and then a few seconds later he was seen next to the sign that was now on the ground. So I suppose a hurricane force wind could have blown it down while he was standing next to it but I will not speculate on that.
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspective. Please continue to encourage people to attend. It is vital to encourage involvement regardless of the viewpoint of those involved.
I 'second' what Thomas says about Councilmember Vicki Edwards - we should thank her for standing up for what is right. If Duvall had more truly non-partisan elected officials (shown by actions, not just words) who genuinely, openly encourage all citizens to share their thoughts and opinions with the city council, our town would be a better place to live. Thank you, Councilmember Edwards!
ReplyDeleteThis has to be a joke. (?)
ReplyDeleteNo one in their right mind thinks - let alone writes - something so ... um... blatantly ridiculous. (putting it nicely)
Note to Mr. Hansen: we live in the U.S.A. People have the right to free speech. And they have the right to assemble. Perhaps the feeling that YOU may just be in the minority is too much to bear. Still, you, like the rest of us, are entitled to attend a council meeting and to make your comments part of the public record. And maybe getting your comments on public record would be the best way to give your input instead of sending an email to the council, which just looks like you're trying to apply pressure on a councilmember (and to discredit a resident) who is simply encouraging input.
Skylar's comments - and actions - are indefensible.
A "hurricane force wind." Riiigghhhttt... lol.
ReplyDeleteRob, I delete your e-mails without bothering to read them, nor do I waste my time reading your blog. Why would I do otherwise? Since the recent election in which both of your candidates were defeated, you have managed to 1) antagonize nearly everyone at City Hall, 2) further diminish what little credibility remained for the one Council member associated with you and 3) conducted yourself in a manner that has brought discredit to the local LDS community in the opinion of many in Duvall.
ReplyDeleteI support your continued efforts to act with complete unawareness of your own folly.
Skylar,
ReplyDeleteThanks again for providing us an insight into your thinking.
To answer your question, I do not know why you read the blog but it is clear that you do otherwise you wouldn't be here commenting.
I would like to make note of the fact that I actually posted your comments rather than attempting to silence you through the power of government. As long as you refrain from personal attacks and hate email I will always be glad to post them.
I hope you continue to read and have a discussion about this rather than encouraging other people to take action to silence those on the other side of the political spectrum from you.
Thanks
Rob
just a little update, once again showing that it is common practice for councilmembers to invite citizens to meetings. This just so happens to be from Elizabeth Walker (Skylar helped run her campaign).
ReplyDeleteI quote from an email sent April 21, 2010 to Laurie Gilbertson,
"I suggest that you bring forward your comments about it at the next council meeting..."
Just thought I would add this additional bit of info.