May 31, 2010
ANALYSIS: Good and Welfare: A Rare Diplomatic Leadership Praise from a Constituent
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) - Listed as the last city council agenda item “good and welfare” appears at every meeting. The period has a two-fold purpose --- allow council members to bring up items not on the agenda (usually district specific constituent requests) and allow the public to sign up and state their case for an item not on the agenda.
Council members often air a gripe, but increasingly they have stated gratitude publicly to members of the administration for timely handling problems.
As for public speakers, they will likely include regulars (like activist Tom McAllister) and a variance of speakers depending upon hot municipal topics. Normally, this portion could be titled “open gripe” session; however, at the end of the last council meeting a new face stepped forward with a compliment.
Charles B. Masters spoke last.
“I’d first like to say, each and every one of you has done a good job. Each one of you are leaders. We look to you for leadership. We also especially applaud the Mayor and [Police Chief] Skip (Holbrook] who do such good jobs. As we look at things, we wonder in which direction we are going and want to pick out which direction to go.
“As I look at things, I ask, ‘what do we really want to do’ , and I don’t want to offend anybody, but as I look over council, I like homegrown people who come up through the ranks. I like to see them come through. Just as an observer, when you look for a leader, you look for one person that is outstanding. This gentleman stands head and shoulders above the rest.
“I’d like to commend Steve [Williams] for your leadership and how much I appreciate it.”
Although he selected one member for “outstanding,” Masters praise came with appropriate diplomatic expertise, acknowledging that he did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Ironically, at-large councilman Williams may , at this time, feel unworthy. He has proposed a series of municipal tax reforms , incorporating input from administration, council members and citizenry. Yet, the city’s shortfall and impending fiscal 2010-2011 furloughs/layoffs/cuts ease closer and no passed alternative on the table.
That’s not without praise, too, for unstated leaders who have graciously displayed flexibility listening to ideas.
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ANALYSIS: Good and Welfare: A Rare Diplomatic Leadership Praise from a Constituent
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) - Listed as the last city council agenda item “good and welfare” appears at every meeting. The period has a two-fold purpose --- allow council members to bring up items not on the agenda (usually district specific constituent requests) and allow the public to sign up and state their case for an item not on the agenda.
Council members often air a gripe, but increasingly they have stated gratitude publicly to members of the administration for timely handling problems.
As for public speakers, they will likely include regulars (like activist Tom McAllister) and a variance of speakers depending upon hot municipal topics. Normally, this portion could be titled “open gripe” session; however, at the end of the last council meeting a new face stepped forward with a compliment.
Charles B. Masters spoke last.
“I’d first like to say, each and every one of you has done a good job. Each one of you are leaders. We look to you for leadership. We also especially applaud the Mayor and [Police Chief] Skip (Holbrook] who do such good jobs. As we look at things, we wonder in which direction we are going and want to pick out which direction to go.
“As I look at things, I ask, ‘what do we really want to do’ , and I don’t want to offend anybody, but as I look over council, I like homegrown people who come up through the ranks. I like to see them come through. Just as an observer, when you look for a leader, you look for one person that is outstanding. This gentleman stands head and shoulders above the rest.
“I’d like to commend Steve [Williams] for your leadership and how much I appreciate it.”
Although he selected one member for “outstanding,” Masters praise came with appropriate diplomatic expertise, acknowledging that he did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Ironically, at-large councilman Williams may , at this time, feel unworthy. He has proposed a series of municipal tax reforms , incorporating input from administration, council members and citizenry. Yet, the city’s shortfall and impending fiscal 2010-2011 furloughs/layoffs/cuts ease closer and no passed alternative on the table.
That’s not without praise, too, for unstated leaders who have graciously displayed flexibility listening to ideas.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
