New Council Member

Wanda G wrote:

New councilman Edwards came through tonight as an independent thinker when he voted NAY on the lands issue. He was the only negative vote on council to vote against selling the waterfront properties along Monroe Bay behind several homes. His vote incensed Mr. Seeber, and the matter is deferred until March, when all council members will be present. Mr. Curtin was not present at this evening's meeting due to a business trip to California.

Good for him. Too bad Mr Seeber was incensed. Childish???? You can't always get your way.

And it begins

Until the Council develops a plan about selling property, they should not sell anything. As for the last couple of years, they sell anything because the town is bankrupt and they want the easy road vs. making plans and decisions. They even sell/rent reserved parking places on municipal parking property---robbing the public of ample parking on a first come first serve basis, which is what municipal parking is. More importantly, municipal parking at the Visitor center is rented out to High Tides, Thor Gallery and the Potomac River Charters. Do we want to welcome visitors who may dine or shop and spend money OR do we want prohibited parking when the businesses are closed (i.e. very seldom are there charters and none in the Winter, when the Gallery is closed, I can't park there; and when the restaurant is closed (before lunch, etc., I can't park. This is disgusing and not productive. Great businesses, but poor (if not illegal) town practice. SAD :(

Qs need As wrote:

<quoted text>
It appears Mr. Edwards has a lot to learn. If one is not "up to date" he should decline to vote not vote against. In addition, he should have familiarized himself with the background prior to the meeting. All information is available to all council members. And third, if he is in fact against the sale of town property, he lied during his interview.

Staying on top of issues by reading the local papers and attending meetings does not mean you know all about the issues. There is a reason council goes into closed session. Sensitive information is not always shared with the public at first. Could it be possible that Mr. Edwards wanted to make sure he knew ALL of the facts behind the issue in question? If so, it makes him a responsible new member of Council. All of those ready to bash him after one meeting need to take a stop back and let them man learn.

Mr Seeber should have a beverage of his choice to calm him down.
How dare some new person come in an have an independent thought.
When is this Mayors term up. I am tired of hearing him bragg on himself.

Bartender wrote:

Mr Seeber should have a beverage of his choice to calm him down.
How dare some new person come in an have an independent thought.
When is this Mayors term up. I am tired of hearing him bragg on himself.

That's a good one.
Maybe Mr Edwards just does not think it is right to sell off town owned waterfront land. Best to know EVERYTHING before you make that type of decision. maybe he will look into what the plan is for ELINORE Park. Mr K and Seeber wanted it sold. It's just an eyesore right now.

Bartender wrote:

Mr Seeber should have a beverage of his choice to calm him down.
How dare some new person come in an have an independent thought.
When is this Mayors term up. I am tired of hearing him bragg on himself.

If Gary got upset he probably should have restrained himself, but do we,once again, need to start bashing people for what they do on their personal time???? Ughh..

I don't really know Tommy that well. However I did know his dad, Joe, and he was one grand person and believed in good and honest dealings with everything, and everyone. I know Tommy has great roots and will do his best in any situation. For sure he is a solid citizen. I am glad he is on the Council.

Tommy Edwards is a great man period.

I knew years ago when he was a fireman up North.

He has nerves of steel and a titanium gut. Please don't underestimate him.

Smartass wrote:

<quoted text>
Staying on top of issues by reading the local papers and attending meetings does not mean you know all about the issues. There is a reason council goes into closed session. Sensitive information is not always shared with the public at first. Could it be possible that Mr. Edwards wanted to make sure he knew ALL of the facts behind the issue in question? If so, it makes him a responsible new member of Council. All of those ready to bash him after one meeting need to take a stop back and let them man learn.

Closed sessions are limited to things such as personnel issues and possible or pending litigation.

The vast majority of business must be done in public and if it is not done so council members can be fined. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act requires this.

Love The Beach wrote:

<quoted text>
Closed sessions are limited to things such as personnel issues and possible or pending litigation.
The vast majority of business must be done in public and if it is not done so council members can be fined. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act requires this.

Wow, thanks for enlightening me!(being a smartass) The point to my post was that if you think the public knows everything coming down the pipe, you're being naive. My second point was to give Mr. Edwards a chance before the bs on Topix begins.

Smartass wrote:

<quoted text>
Staying on top of issues by reading the local papers and attending meetings does not mean you know all about the issues. There is a reason council goes into closed session. Sensitive information is not always shared with the public at first. Could it be possible that Mr. Edwards wanted to make sure he knew ALL of the facts behind the issue in question? If so, it makes him a responsible new member of Council. All of those ready to bash him after one meeting need to take a stop back and let them man learn.

Nothing about Lawrence lane properties where discussed behind closed doors. All planning commission meetings and Counsel meetings are recorded and those properties where discussed in the papers. Almost as much as the Ogara thing!

I'm not bashing Edwards for being careful, just saying your statement doesn't support your argument!

what were you thinking wrote:

<quoted text>
Nothing about Lawrence lane properties where discussed behind closed doors. All planning commission meetings and Counsel meetings are recorded and those properties where discussed in the papers. Almost as much as the Ogara thing!
I'm not bashing Edwards for being careful, just saying your statement doesn't support your argument!

I believe my arguement was mainly to allow Mr. Edwards time to study the issues and get used to the "fishbowl" that is being a CB elected before giving him grief on Topix, that's all. I wasn't trying to single anyone out. My concern is that if we all lighten up a bit, maybe we won't have that 5th resignation any time soon.