From the Mayor

NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING THE VACANCY ON CITY COMMISSION.
THE CITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF A CITY COMMISSIONER.
YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED VOTER AND HAVE LIVED WITHIN NEWELL CITY LIMITS FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS.
YOUR APPLICATION SHOULD INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND YOUR REASONS FOR WANTING TO BE APPOINTED AS A COMMISSIONER.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH MONDAY APRIL 30TH 2018 BY 3PM
YOU WILL BE APPOINTED UNTIL THE NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN APRIL, 2019 AT WHICH TIME YOU MAY RUN FOR A 1-YEAR TERM FOR THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER BY HAVING FILED A LEGAL PETITION FOR THE ELECTION WITH THE FINANCE OFFICER OF THE CITY OF NEWELL.
Jennifer Parrow Finance Officer

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We had a very interesting meeting on the 12th.  More citizens showed up for the meeting than have attended in total during my term as Mayor.  There were a lot of good comments and concerns expressed.  

The comments and concerns seemed to fall into two groups. No, not pro or con, but there were differing views on "government involvement" and property rights.  There were those that were ready to file complaints against their neighbors and those that believe it's none of anyone else's business what they do with their property.  

My last "From the Mayor" addressed where ordinances come from and why they are enacted.  You can read it below, but basically, they come from the residents that want their property values protected.  They do not normally come from the commission.  We don't sit around and dream up reasons to limit anyone's rights.  Think about it.  Those ordinances affect those that pass the ordinances as well as everyone else contrary to the lies you have been told.  

Our normal procedure is to contact the property owner and if that owner takes steps to correct the issues, no other actions are taken, because no other action is needed.  No one is informed of these steps to protect the privacy rights of all involved.  The only time someone other than the person in violation would know about the violation or any action would be if there is a citation issued and the person appeals the citation.  We do not discuss who may or may not have received a notification of any violation.  If the person in violation wants to complain about it to their friends, neighbors and cronies, that's on the violator.

Consider this, too.  The normal procedure on adoption of ordinances is as follows:  

1. The ordinance is proposed, drawn up and submitted and added to the meeting agenda.
2. At the first reading, suggested changes are made or there is a vote not to go forward.
3. The proposed changes, if any, are incorporated into the ordinance and the second reading is done at the next meeting.

This isn't quite what was done at the last meeting.  I was also concerned about the bullying of one of our Commissioners.  Mr. Howie has been a contributing member of this community for a long, long time.  He was always willing to help people.  He was a member of the volunteer fire department for many years, and until his health required him to quit, he was the Fire Chief.  

I find the bullying, badgering and treatment he has received about his property to be reprehensible.  When was the last time those that have complained about his yard offered to help him clean it up to give back to him for all he has given to the community?  Easy to pick on someone with health challenges, isn't it.    In fact, when was the last time those that are the biggest complainers and their supporters have done anything positive for the Town of Newell?  I would venture to say, "Never".  Coming to meetings once in three years to complain about a prospective ordinance is not a positive contribution. 

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