The tenor of Monday night’s city council meeting was reportedly relaxed, friendly and even downright productive.
For the first time in more than a year no executive session was called to discuss items in private. And the meeting lasted just over an hour, with decisions handled in an efficient and amiable manner.
Citizens should take heart of the lightened mood — perhaps due to the ouster of councilmen Ken Rowe and Kendall Callahan — and pledge anew their commitment to city government.
How?
By throwing their hat into the ring to fill the now two empty seats.
For those not so bold, to make a personal resolution to attend city council meetings and witness firsthand the many decisions council members must make.
Not to be suspicious, but it could be human nature, for some, to want to have public business done with little attention. An audience helps to assure accountability. The more ears and eyes, the more humbled a ruling body by the enormity of its responsibility to good governance.
IOLA HAS A WEALTH of talent to serve on the council. Helpful attributes include a vision for Iola, a desire to work with neighboring cities and other governing bodies for the greater good — ambulance service comes to mind — and the determination to make working for the city a rewarding experience in order to attract the best employees possible.
The council’s responsibility is to set policy, and let the hired hands carry it out.
Micro-managing builds resentment from staff and undue anxiety.
A shake-up of the council makeup will hopefully result in new dynamics of transparency, good manners and efficiencies.
If that’s your goal, contact Mayor Bill Shirley at wshirley@cox.net or 620-365-7816.
It’s Shirley privilege to select a replacement for Wards 1 and 4, upon which the council will weigh its opinion.
For those deliberating the decision, take on the Olympian spirit. Be bold.
— Susan Lynn
