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| BY GREG WALTERS |
The Board of Aldermen is unique. We, along with the Mayor,
are the only ones working at City Hall hired directly by the people we serve.
We are chosen by them to represent their views at City Hall.
We are also unique because to earn these positions most of
us literally go out, door to door, asking our fellow Raytown citizens to give
us the honor of representing them. Our role of being the final decision makers
on what is done with tax dollars in Raytown is important to the public. In many
ways the Board of Aldermen are the boots on the ground that links the public
with City Hall.
I believe when legislation goes before the Board of Aldermen
for consideration that at least one of use should be shown as a sponsor.
It opens a path for our constituents to find out what is
going on at City Hall. It is helpful for Raytowners when they have an option to
speak directly to someone from City Hall with whom they are familiar. By
sponsoring legislation as it comes before the Board we create transparency in
how our decisions are made.
Since we took our oath of office last May there have only
been four instances of sponsorship by individual Aldermen of legislative
decisions before Board.
Alderman Ryan Myers sponsored legislation imposing
inspection schedules and license fees for rental property owners in Raytown. Alderman
Greg Walters formed a Parks Improvement Committee that has brought private
security patrols and improved lighting to Raytown Parks. Alderman Bonnaye Mims
created a Code of Ethics which was approved by the Board of Aldermen.
Those three pieces of legislation, all sponsored by Board members, were successful in part because Board members took a step up to lead in their passage.
The effort of a sponsor brings added transparency to the
business of the Board. It is fair to say the public feels more comfortable and
at ease dealing with their elected representative. At the end of the day, once
the votes are cast, a sponsored piece of legislation is vetted more clearly and
concisely.
Another reason for Aldermanic sponsorship is the help it
brings in creating an atmosphere of order to meetings.
Sponsorship of legislation allows the sponsor to speak first
on an issue before the Board. As sponsor it is his or her duty to place the legislation
on the table for consideration. Once seconded, the rest of the Board, City
Staff, or the Mayor can then debate the issue.
When the City Clerk calls the roll for votes, she almost
always calls on the Sponsor and the Second for the first two votes. This
guarantees that the rest of the Board will show the courtesy of hearing the
details of what is brought before them.
A well run meeting has a rhythm to it. Our City Clerk –
almost without fail, will call the name of the individual making the motion
first, usually followed by the person who made the second.
It is also good manners and proper etiquette for a public
body to use.
Only elected members of the Board can make that motion. That
person or persons (in a case of multiple sponsors) assures the legislation will
at least be heard by the entire Board.
Once again, good manners and proper etiquette works. It helps
keep the meeting from becoming out of order.
I am asking my fellow seatmates to take a more active and
visible role in the management of our meetings. One of the easiest way to send a
message to the public of stability and teamwork is by including our identity as
sponsors on legislation at regular meetings of the Board of Aldermen.
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