You deserve a voice in YOUR government
January 5, 2010
Last night I fully supported putting the power of government back into the hands of the people. We are still a government by the people and for the people.
Over the years, the city planning commission has been given the authority to cast votes on 32 different items related to the city’s planning future without consent from the aldermen, the people’s representatives. These items are not forwarded to the city council for final approval. The City Planning Commission makes the final decision.
Unfortunately, this takes the power out of the hands of the people.
I and all of my fellow aldermen are left answering for decisions made by a unelected board of officials that does not answer to the people in our districts.
Unelected officials are not held accountable for those decisions, the alderman of the district is held accountable. If I am held accountable, I need to at least be able to cast a vote. Even if I lose the vote, at least I have represented the folks in the 5th district.
From the Kenosha News
“If we are answering for the decisions that City Plan makes, then we need a vote in those decisions,” Alderwoman Kathy Carpenter said.
Nudo said the ordinance change would simply make the commission serve the same role as all other city committees, most of which are comprised solely of aldermen.
“This ordinance gives the voice back to the people,” Nudo said.
I agree with Alderman Nudo. The voice of the people needs to be heard. The alderman are the people’s representatives. We are your voice.
Not quoted in the paper, but just as important was Alderman Bogdala’s sentiments. This vote was about accountability. The majority of the commissioners on the City Planning Commission are appointed(4 elected officials, 7 unelected officials), not elected. They are not accountable to the people of Kenosha, but the aldermen are.
This is the way it should be. Government answers to the people and the people have the right to hold them accountable.
Thank you to the sponsors of this ordinance.
