Playing Politics... Or Playing Us?

One thing I learned after the last city council meeting is that playing politics is not for amateurs. I was amused at the grandstanding, though repetitive and predictable, from Alderman Hamerlinck on the topic of the officers in the college classes. What happened next, was more amusing than the aforementioned, and included the well deserved hand-slapping by the mayor. Essentially what I gathered, and correct me if I’m wrong, is that Sean, under the auspices of not wanting to be “political,” wants to circumvent committees and open discussion of an issue, so instead of a committee recommending this to the council, it’s just him. And of course, the dancing around to be in the spotlight doesn’t stop there as he’s already talking about being the national model for this idea.

I’m not sure at this point that Sean has the city in mind anymore. It seems to be all about him. It’s not that he wasn’t grandstanding before, but now it’s worse since the new announcement of running at the state level. On the flip side of that is the fact that what he is presenting are generally good ideas. I am in support of the three strikes rule, Sean’s first attempt to reach out of the local arena, that time not needing any approval of the council or committees at the other levels. And now, he presents the cooperation between police and higher education, which needs a little more than a smile and a nod. These ideas are certainly not without merit, and can bring positive change to our community, as well as others. It’s the lack of forethought while attempting to be in the spotlight that has now bitten Hamerlinck et. al.

The mayor was upset, and rightfully so. To be caught off guard without insight to what is truly happening is not a good spot to be. For college deans to be calling the mayor, upset about this media spectacle is certainly within their rights. And to go to the media and attempt to move items past committees, or the professional, mind you political, process is a demonstration of a lack of experience, and possibly maturity.

The public, the same public that just short of attacked the mayor on the issue of meeting times and public input, should be outraged. In the pursuit of publicity Sean has abandoned the people that put him where he is, circumventing the exact process that he purports to uphold. Virtually eliminating public input is not the goal or purpose of our city government, and should be frowned upon.

I hope that in the coming months that this does not continue. Regardless of whether or not Sean is running for a state seat or not, he needs to serve the voters, not his own interest. At this point, I don’t think that Sean should be on a city council, let alone a state legislature.