As reported by the Lancaster Eagle Gazette the rush to rubber stamp the proposal to allow city workers to double dip local government coffers on election day was broken albeit temporarily by city councilmen Jerry Woodgeard (D-At Large), Steve Jackson (R-At Large), and Tom Stoughton (R-4th Ward). Those rushing to enact the proposal were Dyke Andrews (D-At Large), and Harry Hiles (D-5th Ward). Other council members were not mentioned – presumably standing by with rubber stamp in hand.
In a case like this I certainly do not understand why the rules need to be suspended and passed right away. It is NOT an emergency situation. The next election is not until November. These three “rebels” were right to ask what the personnel policies will be in the case that the legislation passes. It seems unfortunate that we only have three in the city council asking questions about the proposal.
A recent unscientific poll conducted by the Lancaster Eagle Gazette indicated a high percentage of citizens that opposed this legislation for one reason or another. If the city was rolling in dough that would be a different situation, but in the current situation we have washboard roads, we are short of law enforcement personnel, and local ordinances cannot be enforced because of lack of funds. Council members need to synch up with the priorities of their constituents.
Nobody wants a shortage of poll workers but in our current situation I don’t think paying government employees double is the answer. I have spoken to some current poll judges that have stated that they will quit should this vote pass.
PS: Just a note to our City Council members – If you think that the public will forget how you voted on controversial issues by election day? Think again – Crabby’s in town now!
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