Jan Pemberton's Post Election Thoughts
May/07/2010 09:03
This is yet another outstanding blog penned by Jan Pemberton. Her periodic emails to city residents about what occurred at key Shores meetings are a major reason why Shores voters are more educated on what is occurring at city hall.
Her observations about the impact of the recall and the future of our city are right on target. Thanks, Jan for your efforts to keep the Shores citizenry informed!
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Neighbors,
As you well know, the council membership remains the same...the recall was unsuccessful... but not by much. Everyone is now aware that there are hundreds of residents who expect more transparency, who expect more fiscal responsibility with their tax dollars and who expect responsible decisions by a respectful council.
There will be hundreds of eyes and ears now watching every move of this council - watching and listening to not only what decisions are made but the manner in which this council conducts its' business. A higher standard of behavior by this council is expected. While the membership of the council was not affected by the recall, hopefully the attitudes of those targeted and their way of doing business will!
Grosse Pointe Shores' residents now know the facts. They have been made aware of the seriousness of our financial condition through this recall process.
This council has a "second chance" to prove they have the maturity, the intelligence and the ability to get this city off the State's Fiscal Watch list, to stop authorizing costly contracts and encumbering taxpayers with excessive legacy and un-sustainable health care costs. These are just a few of the troubling financial aspects of the city's budget.
The council's work will not be easy. But they must make the hard decisions - the decisions that show the taxpayers that their tax dollars are being wisely invested in their city for their benefit. This will require a different approach and true leadership - much different from what has been exhibited in the past. And, as you have seen, the Shores’ residents are not afraid to speak out or to speak up when the business of governing this city and its funds are at not being handled properly.
I truly hope the recall election marks the beginning of a city on the path of recovery that will lead to strong financial roots and a healthy and robust environment for its present and future residents.
We will see...
And finally, I would like to thank all the recall supporters, the residents who bravely signed the recall petitions, those who posted a lawn sign and all the voters who voted "Yes." They are the ones who have sent these strong and clear messages to this council. Let's hope they're listening this time!
Jan