It would be helpful to many if the editor(s)/author(s) of this so-called BLOG would reveal his, her or their names. While a BLOG can be a useful vehicle for the democratic expression of views, thoughts or ideas, if misused it can be a vehicle for defamatory or near defamatory statements.
For example, the comment in the most recent BLOG on the 2011 Budget as follows: "Tomlinson also mentions how "the committee" handled the purchase of the firetruck. Does he mean the same firetruck HIS ad hoc budgetary committee held for ransom when Council moved to have Tomlinson's buddy, Jim Skelton resign from that same committee for publicly libelling the town's fire chief? That firetruck, Paul?"
In fact, Council defeated the requested motion. Council obviously disagreed with the interpretation of one individual volunteer firefighter complainant. The Fire Dept. acquired a better truck, more suited to its needs at the time. The work done by a private citizen [Jim's talking about himself here], on his own time and at his own expense, should be applauded rather than denigrated.
What is important to realize in 2008-2009, the state of Kearney's financial management was in complete and utter disarray. Staff had not kept proper records and/or implemented all required budgetary and financial management tools. This is why it took so long to produce final financial statements for 2 to 3 years running!
And that brings me to my main point. This BLOG appears to be nothing more than a clandestine vehicle for a future re-run by a past Mayor, to flog the same old horse(s) and to publicly disparage any current Mayor, Councillor or member of the community (whether permanent or seasonal) should he or she happen to disagree with his agenda! Campaign material can be distributed in an election period only. This BLOG is a clear attempt to circumvent the rules....sooner or later the good citizens of Kearney are going to catch on to the real purpose of this so-called BLOG and it will disappear! The BLOGGER(S) should just come to Council like everyone else did in the last term of Council to voice their concerns, to advise his, her or their comments directly and to receive on-the-record responses from the current "elected" Council. Until he, she or they do this, their remains a real or perceived lack of legitimacy to this BLOG!
Well, yes Jim, Council did defeat the motion to demand your resignation, because your buddy Paul threatened to withhold funding from the budget for the new firetruck. Council didn't agree with your libellous statement; They simply didn't want to jeopardize the safety of the people of Kearney just to punish you for being an asshole. (Didn't we cover this already?)
As for being a "clandestine vehicle for a future re-run by a past Mayor", "a clear attempt to circumvent the rules", blah, blah, blah: We suggest you ask Sheriff Tomlinson how his "RCMP investigation" into our blog is coming along. We expect our door to be kicked in any minute now, so we suggest you relax and go back to working on your next genealogical update that we're sure everyone in town is breathlessly awaiting.
And Hey! Thanks for writing!
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