SALISBURY -- Tensions continue to mount between Salisbury’s administration and the City Council majority. With conflicts beginning to disrupt meetings, the question of how to address the problem remains open.
Ever since the changing of the guard that took place last spring when the council saw the induction of two new members and the election of a new president, the council majority and Mayor Jim Ireton have been at odds.
“They’re pushing buttons on both sides,” said Councilwoman Laura Mitchell, a member of the council minority.
Ireton has made a number of allegations against the council majority and President Terry Cohen specifically. He has accused the group of attempting to obscure facts and cut the public out of government. Additionally, Ireton claims the majority has purposefully been dragging their feet on a number of perennial city issues, such as defining a police towing ordinance and making decisions regarding the intersection of Onley Rd. and Bateman St.
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I may be wrong, but I seem to remember that the Mayor is a guest at the Council meetings, just like the County, and has no official role. If he speaks, it is only a courtesy extended to him by the Council, and not a right. Am I remembering this correctly?
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely remembering it right and Ireton needs to remember he is a GUEST, not a bully on the playground.
ReplyDeleteIt was suggested at least a year ago that Council and mayor engage in conflict resolution with the professionals at SU. He refused,as I recall, stating that he wasn't the one who needed the services of a conflict mediator. I beg to differ with him. Obviously, both sides could benefit from conflict resolution. As it is, the petty, silly quarrels between Ireton and the Council majority are stifling progress. It's time to act like grown-ups, remembering that you're working for us, the citizens.
ReplyDeleteBoth sides are guilty.
ReplyDeleteConflict mediation, adult behavior or resignation.
It's their choice.
Why doesn't someone just pull down ireton's big boy pants and spank his little butt? His position has gone to his head and he wants to be seen as a big shot who everyone must obey. His tantrums are a result of people not treating him as such.
ReplyDeleteHe can make a fool of himself all he wants, on his own time. But actions like these, on both sides, not only make them look foolish, it makes the whole city look foolish.
Leave your egos at the door and do what is best for the city and it's inhabitants. Please.
Let me start with the fact that I moved out of the city 10 years ago because of the consant arguing between the council members and the deteriation of city neighborhoods. The City of Salisbury government has been broken for some time not just under the current Mayor and Council. The reasons vary from the mentality (not stupidity) of those that run for office to the apathy of the registered voters. Just look at the turnout numbers! There are a number of municipalities with Mayor and Council governments that work to bring business to their communitities, improve water and sewer utilities and don't take 6 months to a year doing multiple studies until they get the answer they want.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for Salisbury to wise up.
I agree with you on most points, 7:36 except for alot of times that hurry up and "get ur done" mentality of those tasked with basically spending taxpayers money ends up costing us more in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily believe in all these studies, but I would rather know that all ideas and options have been explored and questioned, i's dotted and t's crossed before the council makes a decision.