[RP TownTalk] Mayor and Council Salaries

[Lou King]

Jared wrote:

> Thanks to Marc for putting it so well.
> 
> 
> I agree that time is the major factor in attracting a broader pool of
> candidates.  The unnecessary length of sessions, in particular, stands
> out to me as insensitive to citizens who might want to participate in
> the process.
> 

I find the length of council meeting "Stressful" also.  They would of 
course be shorter if citizens, myself included, were _not_ there 
expressing our views on topics being considered by the council. 
("expressing our views" that is double speak for "giving them a piece of 
my mine.")(Some may say I have been so giving that I don't have much 
left.) Democracy is a messy business, and a lengthy sessions are necessary.

> 2.  If this really is about good government, how come the process
> leading up to the introduction of the legislation was not more
> transparent?  Why was the first we heard about this not from our
> councilmembers but from a town staff member?  

That I can not answer.  I have been aware that consideration/legislation 
was in the works sense the Aug. working meeting or September Council 
meeting (can't remember). If you can't make it to the meetings they are 
on the public access channel, 71 I think. They are also recorded.  I 
think you can review the tapes if Monday is not good for you.

> Were any citizens
> consulted while the legislation was being drawn up?
> 

As I said above, I have given so much I don't have much left! (joke) (or 
maybe not)

Lou King