I usually dont answer to criticism about my work on my Facebook page, but Im making a special exemption in this instance. Several people have copied me on a post by Jefferson County Board Chairman Robert White on his Facebook page which says I reported on the RLCD appointments he made before getting both sides. I question her integrity and the motivation in this situation... He goes on and on saying he is offended at the suggestion of wrongdoing by my wife and the lack of integrity in printing this prior to contacting me. First, I was gathering information after receiving more than one comment that Whites first appointment was ineligible because of his residence. There shouldnt be more than one side in an appointment. I contacted RLCD to find out if they had received the appointment paperwork. While on the phone with RLCD, the newer appointment was received in the mail and they passed the information along. Thats the story I reported. It is my job — my ethical responsibility and motivation — to let the public know what is happening with our representation (an appointment) and by our elected officials. When Mr. White asked me what the big deal was that his wife was the person who notarized the paperwork, I told him it was important because it gives the impression the actions werent taken at the Courthouse but in a private setting. HE brought his wife into the issue by having her notarize the paperwork. Yes, I know what a notary is, and I told Mr. White so when he came to my office. He insisted on telling me anyway. Mr. White insists he can make the appointment anywhere he wants to make it. Not according to the River Conservancy Act, which states Trustees representing the area within the district located outside of any municipality having 5,000 or more population and trustees appointed at large when the district is wholly contained within a single county shall be appointed by the presiding officer of the county board WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE COUNTY BOARD and any trustee representing the area within any such municipality shall be appointed by its presiding officer. This is what has created the drama about this appointment in the first place, not me shedding light on the issue. Mr. White did not read the Act — which I have — and did not get the advise and consent of the county board. This appointment is for the representative living outside the municipality. It requires consent. The reason I was surprised when Mr. White said he could do it how he wanted was because I had read the Act. I have nothing against Mr. White, but I dont appreciate my integrity being questioned. And, the special meeting tonight to discuss the RLCD appointment and the salt bid did not legally have the proper notification. The Open Meetings Act (another Act I have read) states, Public notice of any special meeting except a meeting held in the event of a bona fide emergency, or of any rescheduled regular meeting or of any reconvened meeting SHALL BE GIVEN AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE SUCH MEETING... When you post the agenda and meeting notice on the door of the courthouse on Wednesday afternoon for a Thursday night meeting, thats not 48 hours notice. Also, for those who might say posting it on the web site is sufficient for public notice, the Open Meetings Act says it has to be posted at the principal office of the public body and at the location where the meeting is to be held at least 48 hours in advance of holding the meeting in addition to posting it 48 hours in advance on the web site.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 19:13:53 +0000
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