Oh yeah . . . too good not to share . . . internal/insider stuff, but it really gives you some insight into how things get done in city hall. And what a mess the council office is.
Here’s what started it:
From: Veldran, Lisa
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 9:43 AM
To: Cieslewicz, Dave; ALL ALDERS
Subject: Resolution Co-Sponsorship: Recognizing September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage MonthPlease let me know by Tuesday, August 31 if you do NOT wish to be listed as a co-sponsor – Lisa, Council Office
Recognizing September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage Month.
WHEREAS, each year the United States recognizes the economic, cultural and social contributions that Hispanic peoples have brought to our nation; and,
WHEREAS, the rich and distinctive culture of the Hispanic/Latino community has always been an integral part of our country’s identity; and,
WHEREAS, this month represents the anniversary of independence for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua; and,
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is one of enormous pride for over 44 million Hispanics/Latinos living in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, Madison is fortunate to count among its population a dynamic Hispanic/Latino community that plays an important role in our city’s economy and society; and,
WHEREAS, we encourage all Madisonians to recognize and applaud the many contributions made by our Hispanic/Latino community to enhance the quality of life in our City,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council recognize the month of September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Madison,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council congratulate our Hispanic/Latino community on this significant month and thank them for their contributions to the vibrancy of the City of Madison.
Pham-Remmele actually makes a good point here, tho I”m not sure I agree with her reasons. I just think its unfair because someone might not see it and have the opportunity to opt out. I prefer the opt-in.
From: Pham-Remmele, Thuy
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 12:18 AM
To: Veldran, Lisa; Cieslewicz, Dave; ALL ALDERS
Subject: RE: Resolution Co-Sponsorship: Recognizing September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage MonthThis is an issue I have repeatedly asked for a change.
Instead of being asked to decline co-sponsorship of any resolutions, the alder/s who proposed such should have the courtesy to contact/explain/ask colleagues personally to support his/her/their proposals. I resent being sent a generic group question by Council Asssistant Lisa Veldran like this.
This always puts pressure on to accept to avoid being negative, quite similar to video/bookclubs that demand members to return a decline postcard in order to avoid being sold a product they don’t want.
Please stop this manipulative practice. I am currently out- of- state and am unabe to carefully review this proposal.Thank you!
Schumacher, can’t resist . . . he takes the bait.
From: Schumacher, Michael
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 8:05 PM
To: Pham-Remmele, Thuy; Veldran, Lisa; Cieslewicz, Dave; ALL ALDERS
Subject: RE: Resolution Co-Sponsorship: Recognizing September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage MonthOk, one of my inner voices tells me not to respond, but I decided I will. I like the policy of opting out rather than opting in on these types of resolutions for the following reasons:
Most of them are general and generic enough. They do not set policy or allocate funds. It is far more inconvenient for me to have to opt in given that I agree with most of the these types of resolutions.
In my opinion this is not a manipulative practice but rather one that has been established informally for decades to make it easier for staff and alders. I appreciate Council staff informing us that we can opt out in case we do have one or two of these resolutions we may not want to co-sponsor. And if an alder chooses to say no, it’s not a negative action but simply a prerogative.
Therefore, I prefer to continue the status quo. I also prefer to have discussions on these types of issues without the unnecessary accusation of staff being manipulative. They are doing their work according to established policies or practice beyond our tenure.
Respectfully, Michael
Um, I’m not sure it has been done this way for decades, in fact, I think it changes depending upon what it is and who asked for it. I think Schumacher might be trying to re-write history here.
So, finally . . .
From: Pham-Remmele, Thuy
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 8:33 PM
To: Schumacher, Michael; Veldran, Lisa; Cieslewicz, Dave; ALL ALDERS
Subject: RE: Resolution Co-Sponsorship: Recognizing September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage MonthAlder Schumacher,
Thanks for chiming in.May I please ask, “What qualifies as THESE TYPES and who makes such decisions?
Has Madison Common Council resorted to making policies en masse ? Have alders become so busy we now arel assumed to approve “feel good resolutions” just to feel good?
I didn’t accuse anyone of being manipulative yet the process IS manipulative.In fact, I feel embarrassed!
Alder Thuy
I kinda hate it when I think Thuy is making a good point, but bungling how she does it.
Isn’t this exchange a violation of open meetings laws?