Athens Dims - But at What Cost?

At our Agenda Setting meeting, we discussed the plan for cutting off many, many streetlights across our community.  This plan was agreed to as a cost-saving measure during our mini-budget crisis.  As an added bonus, it also is an energy conservation measure.  As the article indicates, some of us expressed some concerns about the process.  I asked that we just cut off power to the lights but not remove them for some fixed period of time so that we can assess any severe negatives for particular locations.

Keep in mind that these are not our lights - they belong to Georgia Power.  But they have indicated they are willing to work with us.  Others voiced concerns about turning off light in high crime areas.  These were just execution concerns, not concerns about the entire concept of cutting off the lights, which is why this editorial is the most inane, unfounded, misleading, and mean spirited thing i have read in the paper in a while.

It starts with “Actions have consequences, and it's a bit disturbing that Athens-Clarke County commissioners apparently don't have a grasp of that self-evident proposition.”  For anyone who was at the meeting, it is clear that everyone grasps that quite well, and we were merely looking to make sure the lights-off made the least impact on safety possible.  That is our duty as elected officials.  Commissioner Lynn was merely making the point that maybe we could add crime stats to our list of criteria for selecting the lights to remove.  

Maybe that will not work out and maybe it is not possible, but it was a very responsible question to ask and it did not deserve the wrath of that editorial.

Look, Up in the Sky - it's Charter Service!

John Wolfe, our auditor, released the airport audit.  This is not breaking news as it has been out a while, and you can read it here.  There were a few proposals for more regulation of charter service, which I pointed out at the time was moot for now since all the charter was gone. 

I am very happy to say that we do indeed have charter.  Airstar, which was going to move to south Georgia, is staying to serve us.  That is great for the airport.  Also, we have two Athens to Atlanta services coming.  I know this is going to be a difficult challenge for these companies to sustain and profit, but I wish them the best.

I have a lot I would like to say about the airport, but I remain pretty darn silent on it all since I am an airport business owner.  Boy, is that frustrating! I am the one pilot and aviation business owner on the Commission, and I feel compelled to be silent as  I never want to create any perception of a conflict of interest.

However, all that will change soon once the sale of my business is complete.  So be prepared for 3.5 years of pent up opinions to be unleashed in true Dodson fashion as soon as my perceived conflict is lifted.

Criminal Justice Task Force Update

Solutions to complex issues demand complex data.  We have been hard at work for several months in the Criminal Justice Task Force addressing the myriad problems facing this community in regards to incarceration and our system of justice.  As I have stated before, the team we have is fantastic and I feel great about our progress.  We have taken a small hiatus for the past few weeks as we await the final report from the Unified Government's consultant on this issue.  

Our Assistant Manager, Richard White, along with Amy Gellins (who we are extremely lucky to have assigned to us from the Attorney's office) have been working diligently to make sure the report is accurate and on point.  Early in the CJTF process, we set-out the work plan for the report itself.  I will summarize the report here once it is finalized.  Expect numbers on the diversion/work release number and stats on our jail population among many other things.

At the end of the day, the central issue is the county lock-up.  When does it need to be constructed (yesterday) and how big does it need to be?  That last question is a factor of so many complex things, like "how long does an accused stay in jail awaiting some procedural issue before they are bonded out?"  Or, how effective can a diversion/work release center be in rehabilitation efforts so that our jail population gets smaller? Or, how can we work with local organizations (like the Athens Justice Project) more effectively to combat recidivism?  

Our proposals are scheduled to be unveiled to the Mayor and Commission at our September work session.

Reelection Redux

It is always a negative in government when someone runs unopposed. It is bad for the public and bad for the incumbent, because it encourages complacency. So I very much welcome a vigorous campaign that allows the community to discuss the issues that matter to us. I am most excited to get out to the neighborhoods in the district and spend some time talking and listening. That has always been my favorite aspect of campaigning. A postcard or a phone call really doesn't connect you to people the way a house-call does.

On a personal note, I made a commitment to myself that I would only run for reelection if I winded down and sold my business (www.fly-firefly.com). It has consumed my time greatly as it has grown. Couple that with a 6 year old, a one year old, my fantastic wife, and a law practice, something had to go so I could remain confident I could devote myself to the Commission. So the business is being sold. It is always sad to give up something you have built, but my community comes first.

Finally, I must have received 8 phone calls yesterday asking me if the Mayor encouraged or otherwise put up my opposition to run. The answer is I don't have any idea and it doesn't matter. I hear the same things anyone else does. Yes, the Mayor and I have had some tense moments recently and throughout our time together. But we are both grown-ups and community leaders and I am confident disagreements are not enough to prevent us from continuing to work together. All I know is that Mike has said he will make my platform a priority and that makes me happy. I am sure he would not be pleased to hear people implying that he can't make his own decisions, because I know that he can. So there it is, let's make this about the issues and about public dialogue. I welcome the opportunity.

The Challenges of Communication Timing

Some of you may have tuned in for the big debate the Commission had a while back on sweeping changes to our alcohol related ordinances. At a work session, changes to the ordinance to bring it in line with state law were on the agenda. As it turned out, the staff proposed changes were far more expansive than mere state law alignment. Even though not a single Commissioner had seen any of these proposed changes before that public meeting, the media and many angry citizens nailed us with charges of pushing through radical and unnecessary legislation.

Angry Commish, Reining in the Law

Both Commissioner Lynn and I expressed anger that verged on outrage for having these proposals dumped on us without notice. I asked that the whole package get diverted to the standing legislative committee that I chair (the Legislative Review Committee) so the Commission could take control of the process and get a handle on it. While there are still some things that were eventually passed that I feel are unnecessary (i.e. it adds red tape without accomplishing any obvious community objective), we stripped away most of the provisions some deemed as a bit outrageous. There was a lot of panic and unnecessary anger because the proposal was presented in a "final" format (i.e the Attorney had already drafted it in code form) to the Commission and the Public at the same time. It is sometimes understandably difficult for the public to differentiate the "government" from the "government." In this case it was staff versus the elected decision-makers.

So What is the Difference Between Open Government and Sloppy Government?

Thus, it can be a challenge to decide when and at what stage in legislative development to publicize your work as a legislator. If you report too early, while a proposal is still rough and not completely vetted, you risk pointed criticism that the law is sloppy and full of flaws. If you wait too late, you risk being seen as secretive and closed. As most know, I like to err on the side of openness. You will be attacked no matter what path you choose, of course, which is why politics requires a thick skin and an accurate internal compass.

A Case in Point

I do have a point here. At the last session of the Legislative Review Committee we reviewed the 5^th annual Growing Sustainably report. This document is the result of the leadership of the Athens Grow Green Coalition and the hard work of the bulk of environmental and preservation groups in our community. You may view the document here. The committee discussed those recommendations that pertained to ordinance action. It was a great discussion and I submitted the results of the meeting to the Mayor for further review. At this point, we have only proposed to investigate the 7 or so items on our list, and we do not necessarily agree that all (or any) require new laws. To a lesser extent than the alcohol controversy, posting that memo on my blog could ignite some anger from folks potentially on the receiving end of any new regs, even though we are not even close to deciding whether or not we need new regs. Also, there is the mayor to consider. Would you appreciate memos for your eyes immediately being posted on the web before you have had a chance to react to them?

Usually, we just hold public meetings (LRC is always a public meeting) and let the press decide what to print. This blog presents another opportunity for openness. But it also creates the potential for resentment from my colleagues if it is just a forum to air dirty laundry or share (semi)private memos (though everything is public record anyway). What do you think? Email me or better yet post here. I like to create with collaboration, so help me define the information you get from this blog.

The Bottom Line

Just so you know, my opinion, and therefore current blog policy, is that I will inform you all about actions and agendas and not post preliminary memos. At the end of the day, isn't that really what you are concerned with anyway? I am open to suggestions.

Reelection

I qualified today to run for a second term as your Superdistrict 10 Commissioner. I continue to be taken aback and humbled that this community has allowed me to represent them for the past 3 ½ years. I am also very honored to work with my colleagues who fill out the other 9 seats. Since my election, the composition of the Commission has only gotten better. Sharp minds, innovation thinking, and a devotion to community building are the hallmarks of our current Commission, and these hardworking folks are central to my decision to seek another term. I believe the next four years will bring greater focus and more team-building, allowing our government to work on the important big-picture issues in our community.

Contrary to criticism of our government a few years ago that we were a homogenous bunch, I think we have safely demonstrated that the Commission is a diverse group of community advocates. We have deep divisions from time to time, but I believe that range of opinion makes us stronger and more responsive to our constituents. I have a lot of work yet unfinished and I look forward to pressing forward and building a stronger community and an open government in the years to come.

A Commission without Carl

I was saddened to find out that Commissioner Carl Jordan, who was the vanguard of the current progressive Commission, will not be seeking reelection. He is a remarkably intelligent individual, with a keen eye and insightful instincts. Together, I believe we have been a powerhouse team for the 6^th District, redefining how developers interact with neighborhoods and diverting appropriate resources to important infrastructure improvements. I will sorely miss that partnership, though I am comforted to know he will still be around (granted with a 3 minute time limit).

Carl, we frequently disagreed on details and even strategies, but my faith in your motives and love for Athens never waivered. I must admit having a desire to pack duct tape in my meeting briefcase from time to time, but your input and level of attention to your constituents has always greatly surpassed the negatives of your lengthy oratory. I am excited for Carl, as he can continue to advocate for the community now on his own terms and take as much vacation time in Idaho as he likes. I know his decision has added years to his life. I look forward to the final 6 months of partnership with Commissioner Jordan.