By Bev Hermann
Special to the Herald
September 15, 2006 08:52 am
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I find the continuing Clinton Herald attacks upon and negative attitude toward the Clinton City Council appalling. I don’t know who writes these “opinions” but apparently he/she/or they feel they have all the answers.
Funny, but I’ve never seen anyone representing themselves to have a connection to the Herald running for one of these positions at election time.
Before someone judges every move a governing body makes, he/she/they might be wise to walk a mile in those officials’ shoes. People who put themselves on the line to serve in a public office do not do that lightly. Those who haven’t have no idea what it takes to serve in one of these positions, be it city council, school board, county supervisors or any other public position.
Let me tell you, I’ve been there. I had no idea of the time, the unbelievably wide scope of topics and business and other decisions that affect the lives of everyone in this city, the heavy responsibility of becoming as informed as possible to make those decisions, the stress.
I had no idea of the number of meetings between the twice-a-month council meetings. The sheaf of paper with each agenda can be 1 to 11/2 inches thick, sometimes more. All that has to be read, discussed with others and carefully considered prior to the meeting. If you want to educate yourself on city government in order to do your job well, you must attend training and an annual convention and workshops offered by the Iowa League of Cities and read the volumes of information in your mailboxes — both at home and City Hall.
You must be willing to accept and/or return calls 24/7. You must be prepared for people to come at you with comments or questions about city matters, negative or positive, no matter where you are or what time of day. You have to be prepared for hostility and sometimes outright harassment if someone doesn’t agree with your opinion or decision on a given question.
But here’s the good part, and there is a very good part. You meet so many wonderful people, you learn so much about so many things you might have taken for granted or never have given a thought before, you see the decisions you helped make improve your community, you receive calls, cards and letters from thoughtful people who appreciate something you’ve done. I would do it again in a heartbeat — but I gave it up because it’s difficult to be sure you’re doing two full-time jobs as well as you should.
Make no mistake about it — City Council is a full-time job and these people are committed to doing their jobs well. Believe me, they don’t put in all those hours and work for the small dollars they receive. They do it for the love of their community and their desire to see it grow and prosper.
And that brings me to the question of the large vehicle parking ordinance, as well as other questions they’ve been attacked about. At first glance this one seems a small matter. Let me assure you, it is not small. Obstruction of vision and inadequate space for drivers and emergency vehicles to get through narrow streets is serious, and the regulation of oversize and recreational vehicles parked on the streets is serious and long overdue.
Whether you are a Herald writer or resident who has concerns about a matter the council is considering, open your mind a little and learn all you can about the subject before you start throwing stones. Think, and offer positive ideas you might have for solutions to problems instead of constant criticism. Consider what these people do for you and the betterment of this community 24/7, and thank them.
Bev Hermann served as the Ward 1 Clinton City Council representative from 2001 to 2005.
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