why the county commissioners ought to do some radical redistricting.
Elected local government officials
must be able to act in a manner that maintains their integrity and independence,
yet is responsive to the interests and needs of those they represent.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
"I have zero concern as far as what you all would like to see"he told members of Conservatives for Guilford County,
a tea party group that's been working on suggested budget cuts.
Board members...should be self-governing and not subject to improper influence,
while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
...One reason why not: He hasn't seen any black members of the group.
“Therefore, my constituents are left out.”
He added that C4GC doesn't represent the interests of the county as a whole.
Ironic, since Alston doesn't, either.
He showed that by raising the race issue and in effect defining "my constituents" as black.
If there are 32,132 voters in Skip Alston's boomerang looking district,
but only 23,534 Democrats,
who represents the other 8,598 voters?
Didn't any white people vote for him?
Yet there are white residents of his Greensboro district, though they're a minority.
If there are 32,132 voters in Skip Alston's gerrymandered district,
but only 22,850 are black,
who represents the other 29%?
How does he know none of them belongs to C4GC?
If there are 7,161 white voters in Skip's district,
could some sympathize with C4GC?
Could some of the 22,850 black voters agree
that not having a tax increase and borrowing less is a good idea?
Besides, I'm guessing membership in C4GC is based on ideology, not race.
Nevertheless, Alston made it plain he doesn't want to listen to a group
that doesn't include his constituents...
Alston said he didn’t consider the group to be informed about county finances
and said their suggestions — which he called “irresponsible” and “slash and burn”
— don’t interest him.
He also said the group isn’t racially diverse, claiming he had yet to see a black member of the group.
Does a sympathizing agnostic Jew whose dad was born in Cuba count?
Alston said though he has led the charge on avoiding a tax increase the past two years,
this year one may be necessary — whether Conservatives for Guilford County like it or not.
What is the difference between Want and Need?
“We’re going to do what’s right for this county,” Alston said.
“If it involves increasing taxes, that’s what we’ll do.
What if what is right means living within means
and not doing what doesn't need done,
like borrowing $337 million over the next two years?
I’m not going to be intimidated by anyone on that committee whatsoever.”
Joe
...A few weeks ago, he said there's no need for changing the county commissioner districts.
Actually, there's a dire need to do so.
The numbers ought to change.
Agreed.
Instead of having one commissioner elected from each of nine districts and only two elected at large,
there should be six district seats and five at-large seats.
Agreed.
...that way, each voter would choose six commissioners, a majority of the board.
And a majority of commissioners would represent and be accountable to ALL the voters.
By definition, that would create a more accountable -- and I believe responsible -- board.
Agreed.
...only at-large commissioners should be eligible
to serve as chairman and vice chairman of the board.
Agreed.
...Above all other commissioners, the chairman and vice chairman
should be accountable to ALL the residents of the county.
"My constituents," therefore, would be everyone.
Agreed.
I don't expect the commissioners themselves to initiate these changes,
and certainly not while Alston is chairman."
Doug
A board member is considered to be acting with impropriety
if a reasonable person who was made aware of the totality
of the circumstances surrounding the board member’s action
would conclude that it was more likely than not
that the behavior did not befit someone in the board member’s position.
…They should act as the especially responsible citizens
whom others can trust and respect.
…they should be willing to put the board’s interests ahead of their own.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
Board members...should carefully analyze all credible information
that is provided to them.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
The board should set a good example for others in the community,
keeping in mind that trust and respect must continually be earned.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
Avoid voting on any zoning map or text amendment
where the outcome of the vote is reasonably likely
to have a direct, substantial, and readily identifiable financial impact on you.
Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners
of Guilford County, North Carolina
No comments:
Post a Comment