To the editor:
There have been recent comments made regarding the size of the Iola City Council. It would appear that many feel the current roster of eight members is too large. The primary concern is the lack of attendance by enough members to create a quorum. Without a quorum council business cannot be completed.
In theory the more members, the better the ideas and the discussions that result. There are arguments pro and con for that theory.
In reality, the number of members is not the problem. It doesn’t matter if there are three, five, eight or some other number of council members. If those elected members do not show up for meetings and other important gatherings as required by the position, business is not completed.
Those residents that have been around long enough to remember can attest that the same attendance issues occurred with a city council of three.
The real problem is more of a work ethic issue. To paraphrase one of Bob Johnson’s recent “Opinions,” there are many jobs available within Iola and Allen County. The problem is finding individuals that are eager to work and that will show up on time. As Bob states, one employer reported that out of three new hires, only one person continuously showed up for work on time and wanted to work.
A reasonable person would expect that if an individual wants to become a council member, that individual has taken the time to find out what the position requires, the time that the individual will need to provide to the position, and whether that individual actually has the spare time beyond other responsibilities to represent their district.
It is a given that most individuals elected as council members have significant day jobs and other responsibilities beyond that of being a council member. So why do elected council members not show up for meetings?
There can be a variety of excuses: some are valid, most are not. “Everyone” has things to do.
Yes, things do go bump in life when you least expect them to occur. Employers generally understand this and can usually work with the individual for the best outcome of both.
The city council members, individuals that represent the city, should provide leadership and an example for the rest of the community. By not showing up for a job to which they asked to be elected, those council members do not set an example of a responsible work ethic for the rest of us to follow. It makes no difference as to how many council members are elected.
If a sitting council member finds that they cannot fulfill their responsibilities to the council, they should step aside and allow a replacement to be selected. I realize that a replacement situation may cause other concerns but is it better not to show up to complete a business agenda, or take the time to replace a council member?
Don’t change the number of council members without understanding the problem.
Dave Jackson
Iola, Kan.
Letters to the Editor – 4/22/17
