I heard somewhere where Chester’s mayor John Linder campaigned on a platform of transparency.
That’s a tricky word and is too often used loosely by most politicians. What ends up happening is they tell you what they want you to know, not everything that’s going on.
Since all politicians do that anyway, it makes you wonder why they even use the word, transparency.
It gives the wrong impression to people who think they’re entitled to know everything. Ultimately, people are led to believe that politicians are hiding something when information is withheld and then they're accussed of not being transparent.
I find it curious that on each of the last two city council meetings, the Daily Times had to file a right-to-know request (thanks Senator Pileggi) to obtain a copy of the budget and salary ordinance.
Why would the city make budget changes, approve them, and withhold the final details from their constituents, by way of the press?
If the Daily Times doesn’t ask, the budget and salary amendments would remain a mystery to most of the city residents.
That’s what I call Tinted Transparency.
Stefan,I wonder if you would be so meticulous in picking apart Mayor Linder had you been hired as Director of Communications or given the City Council seat you thought you so rightfully deserved. Interesting how you thank Senator Pileggi for the "Right to Know" act. As a journalist, blogger, writer, etc. You should have known that. What's more interesting is why Senator Pileggi is so interested in the budget and salaries. Why is it any of his business, seems he still wants to control Chester. I think the people of Chester have made clear that need nor want Senator Pileggi's input during his last election. Senator Pileggi needs to stay in his lane and you need to stop acting like a scorned woman!
ReplyDeleteMeticulous in picking apart Mayor Linder. Is that what I'm doing? I treated Butler with the same respect. Was that a problem too?
DeleteThe Pileggi reference is to give him credit for creating the Right to Know law, period. All that other stuff you're talking about are your words, not mine.
And, it's good to know that at least someone received my letter to Linder. He never responed but I see someone read it.
I won't bother calling or writing him again. If he won't pick up the phone, he's left me no other choice but to come to my own conclusions based on what I see and hear.
Sorry, if that seems like picking on the mayor.
What would you do?
By the way, I return all calls, email, letters, and I reply to most comments on this blog. In a town this small, I'd expect the same from my government representatives.
Please don't give this guy any ideas. He is full of himself already! Communications Director OMG!
DeleteI believe Stefan was thanking Senator Pileggi for writing and passing the Right to Know Law that gives citizens and the media access to documents such as ordinances and the budget. without that law, i doubt Linder & Co. would release anything to the people or press.
ReplyDeleteBingo.
DeleteHmmmm...Stefan, it is kind of looking personal opinionated as a journalist when you use tinted transparency however you are correct, it should have been made known and immediately and disclosed. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt as Freshmen...let's say 6 months and come back and re-evaluate...I have another beef with Thad's sudden power baton...he told a student to "shut-up" at a rally that was captured on video...I couldn't believe it...he shouldn't lead with those types of emotions especially with our youth...when it comes to our children, we are all in the same boat...no bi-partisan nonsense...they are our future and to act like an irrational man to get your point across with children is beneath everyone...I believe we should try and make positive changes in Chester no matter which party is in charge...We all have to agree that change was inevitable...lastly, the nation is watching Chester...
ReplyDeleteAin't nothing personal. It's not just Linder's problem. Politicians everywhere are claiming transparency. That's a ridiculous thing to say when everyone knows that won't be the case.
DeleteHowever, the Right to Know Law does help uncover stuff that folks used to be able to keep under wraps.
Hope4chester our people are clueless we want to bash Pileggi but he was a very important player in the soccer stadium which John and Thad were just praising and the casino which the John and Thad just made all that money.
ReplyDeleteTransparency? What about good old boy hookups Linder is related to Charles Thompson, Cherrie Harris is the daughter of one of Linder's biggest supporters. Cherrie got her "friends" job and Cherrie mom now has a job. Thads son in law has a 100,00.00 job and I am sure they will use his marketing co like they used with the election. NAACP president Darrell Jones got a job as a Deputy director did u see what he did with the NAACP building on 7th St? Did anyone notice how our solicitors office is being ran by a firm from media NOT CHESTER. The same firm that Al Jacobs works for.
Why should we give Linder a break?
Politicians will be boys. Also, a blog is a website where one can express their own experiences, observations, opinions, etc. So, Stefan is entitled to his own opinion on his blog. How many times has someone written a comment and it not get posted? Don't knock the ccity blogger because your not blogging about jack. As far as I know, this is the Chester News paper. City gov't better take heed.
ReplyDeletePoliticians will be politicians. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteDoctors will be doctors and bus drivers will be bus drivers. You make your job harder on yourself when you promise stuff you can't deliver.
DeleteWOW!!!!! WHATS GOING WITH OUR CITY... BOUT TO SOUND LIKE WHATS HAPPENING WITH OUR PRESIDENT AND THE GOP DEBATES......WHAT'S THAT SAYING, "IT IS WHAT IT IS!"......LOL
ReplyDelete