COUNCILMAN DEFREES? - SILLY HALL IS NOT AMUSED

"The basic idea which runs right through modern history and modern liberalism is that the public has got to be marginalized. The general public are viewed as no more than ignorant and meddlesome outsiders, a bewildered herd."NChomsky

My Dears, too oft has this old geezer been told that the denizens of Silly Hall do not care if the residents of Marysville are actively engaged in local government.  Many have said that council meetings are not attended due in large to the belief that Silly Hall does not want to hear what the public has to say.

Truth be told, when 'contract' public employees and 'elected' officials can tell a member of the public that 'they' do not have to answer questions or even talk to, one they do not like, there is a real problem with belief that government is 'open'.

I may well not have lived local since they planted dirt here.  I may well not have all of the facts.  I have been known to be wrong.  When last looked, that does not deny me the right to take part in the process of 'open government'

Much has been said in blogs on the Appeal Democrat, of the need for change at Silly Hall.  Many seem to feel that a change in council members would be a good start.

Yesterday was the first day to file papers to seek election to office in Marysville.

The council seats currently held by Ben Wirtschafter and Michael Selvidge are open for contest.  Neither has filed papers to seek re-election, as of yesterday.  Rumour has it that one if not both, may not.  They have until August 6th, and may well be sitting back to see if anyone will dare challenge them.

Qualifications for city council are but two.  Registered voter within City of Marysville & 18 years of age or older at time of filing. Note that there be no fixed time as resident required.

I have lived local for over one year.  While my postcode was Marysville, I lived in Linda.  That changed in June of this year, when I moved and registered to vote in Marysville proper.

Hinting at a possible run for city council, I asked a local lady, with a fancy title, what she thought of the idea.  "Run, as long as you do not make a mockery of office", she said.  Mind, this be a lovely lady who feels that whole intent of anything done by this old geezer is negative.

Dear reader, Marysville is in trouble.  There is no coin in the 'public purse'.  Silly Hall blames the voters of Marysville, voters blame the denizens.  I should think it be a combination of the two.

Residents of Marysville do not come to Silly Hall to attend city council meetings.  For that matter, residents of Marysville do not come oft to Silly Hall to ask question or get information from.  Elected officials and 'contract' public employees seem to have a 'us against them' relationship with the residents of Marysville.

Staff at Silly Hall prepare a budget and lay blame on lack of coin on voter and the members of city council pass said budget with little public comment.

Were I to get elected to City Council, things would change.

I would not accept any pay packet.  NONE.  I would work 40 hours or more dealing with problems facing the City of Marysville.  I would be at Silly Hall daily to ask questions of City Manager and department heads.  My personal email address and telephone number would be available to ALL residents of Marysville.

All of this may be for naught, as one has to have 20 'registered' voters on nomination papers.  The City Clerk reminds that is best to collect 30.  MOI knows loads of folks local, they just do not live in Marysville.  The ones known that do live in Marysville, are not registered to vote.  Fancy that.

Rumour has it that a former council member may throw his hat into the race.  Given that this former council member was right colourful and much known to voters of Marysville, there might be a place for this old geezer in this race.

I am not perfect.  I do not have all of the answers.  Marysville voters may well not be ready for such a colourful and 'fey' personage that MOI be.  What I do know, deep inside my soul, is that one must be actively engage in change if change is to come about.  Marysville is in deep trouble and any who value living here should do all possible to protect.

DE FREES IS FREE.  Clever campaign slogan?  Costing the voters nothing in pay packet and willing to work endless hours to make Marysville more perfect.

Now, where do I find 'registered' voters...