Speaking of the bully pulpit...
Eileen McNamara had a piece in the Boston Sunday Globe (7/2/06) entitled "Using the Bully Pulpit" which seems to back up what John wrote about the Governor's race as well as shed an interesting light on recent local events.
In Boston, City Councilor Sam Yoon has been accused of 'grandstanding' by his fellow Councilors because he packed city hall with teenagers during budget deliberations. The teens were there to urge the council to fund youth violence prevention programs. Since the city council does not have authority to draft their own spending plan, McNamara asks the question: "isn't grandstanding pretty much the only power the Boston City Council has?"
Given the horrific rise in youth homicides in Boston, plus the popular perception of our youth as apathetic and uninvolved, it seems odd that other Councilors felt the need to criticize Yoon's efforts in this direction. Well, the youth didn't get their money and, in fact, were ejected from the Council chamber, but more attention has been paid to the issue than would have been if the youth hadn't turned out and if Yoon hadn't spoken up on their behalf. Yoon was using the 'bully pulpit' on an issue that he felt was of great importance.
McNamara adds that "if the council used its bully pulpit more often, open and spirited debate might compensate for the City Council's lack of legislative power."
I'm not sure how Lowell's Plan E form of government compares with Boston, but both cities need elected officials to speak out on the issues. Lately, we've heard dire-sounding talk about the "divided council." These people are not elected to present a united front to the voters. I want to hear them arguing, debating and disagreeing. We should welcome, not fear, an open and spirited debate.
In Boston, City Councilor Sam Yoon has been accused of 'grandstanding' by his fellow Councilors because he packed city hall with teenagers during budget deliberations. The teens were there to urge the council to fund youth violence prevention programs. Since the city council does not have authority to draft their own spending plan, McNamara asks the question: "isn't grandstanding pretty much the only power the Boston City Council has?"
Given the horrific rise in youth homicides in Boston, plus the popular perception of our youth as apathetic and uninvolved, it seems odd that other Councilors felt the need to criticize Yoon's efforts in this direction. Well, the youth didn't get their money and, in fact, were ejected from the Council chamber, but more attention has been paid to the issue than would have been if the youth hadn't turned out and if Yoon hadn't spoken up on their behalf. Yoon was using the 'bully pulpit' on an issue that he felt was of great importance.
McNamara adds that "if the council used its bully pulpit more often, open and spirited debate might compensate for the City Council's lack of legislative power."
I'm not sure how Lowell's Plan E form of government compares with Boston, but both cities need elected officials to speak out on the issues. Lately, we've heard dire-sounding talk about the "divided council." These people are not elected to present a united front to the voters. I want to hear them arguing, debating and disagreeing. We should welcome, not fear, an open and spirited debate.
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