Published in Imperial Beach News

http://www.imperialbeachnewsca.com/articles/2009/06/25/opinion/news01.txt

a letter from Steve Futterman

Cronyism or even the appearance of cronyism is never healthy for democracy. When mayor Janney, council persons Bragg and McCoy partnered with former mayor Rose in ensuring her appointment to the I.B. City Council, they made a conscious decision to circumvent a legitimate process that was already in play and one that would have provided all interested citizens an opportunity to participate in our local democracy. Only Councilman Jim King abstained from endorsing this unfortunate action.

All citizens of Imperial Beach regardless of political affiliation that understand the importance of a process untainted by backroom deals, should take the time to examine the course of events that started on May 24 with the passing of councilman McLean followed by only Roses application being accepted and the other applicants turned away. The rest is series of embarrassing missteps and inappropriate activity like Mayor Janney’s comment that, “Only after the council took action were people interested in the appointment.” I wonder if the mayor would be willing to make that same statement under oath considering what is now known about the timeline. That’s why this disgusting event needs further scrutiny and investigating.

Instead of leading, Janney, Bragg and McCoy allowed an unelected entity, in this case the city attorney, call the shots. Many believe this was an unfortunate choice and disagree with the city attorney’s conclusion including the editor of this paper and Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, a nonprofit organization that advocates for open government. Mr. Francke questioned the council’s motives when he asked, “So what was the council’s rush to fill a vacancy only three days old, if not to see that Rose had no competition for the appointment? None of the listed recommendations in the manager’s report suggested an immediate appointment. All recommendations projected a future solution by appointment or election.” That’s why this issue needs further investigation and that’s why San Diego district attorney Leon Schorr is investigating this violation of the Brown Act.

Mayor Janney along with council woman Bragg cited recent elections in Poway and Coronado as precedent to base their decision. How ironic considering that these two members of the GOP hail from an ideology that deplores any process associated with government but chose to cite it as the only solution available to them instead of holding themselves and half a million dollars in staff salaries accountable to completing the process in 30 days. Mayor Janney needs to review his campaign promises. It was a desperate attempt at damage control. Even if their actions meet the technical criteria for being legal it can still rise to the occasion of immoral behavior that sends a terrible message to its citizens that only the politically connected of Imperial Beach need apply.