Speaking of Marc Kraft ... I would highly recommend that members here take a look at a few of the most recent archived videos of the Douglas County Commissioners meetings (held each Tuesday at 9am in the City-County Building). douglascounty-ne.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75&Itemid=67 If you recall, he wasnt at all supportive of parents insisting on a change in the truancy law, because he seems to think our little ones primary value is to be trained up for the future work force. Further, Mr. Kraft is none too keen on the support Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson has been giving to the voice of citizens who come to share concerns during public comment periods. Besides calling me names on the record (from naive, malicious, abuser of the forum - i.e. using the opportunity for my own soapbox, to his latest claim: that Im narcistic [sic]), Mr. Kraft has been acting awfully unstable as he pounds his fist on the table and questions Mary Anns ability to lead the commissioners as chair. Im very concerned about this effort between him and Clare Duda. It seems to be a coordinated agenda to weaken Mary Ann - which would weaken the publics voice. In my research of past board meetings, I noted that in January of 2013 there was the election of chair that year. Pam Tusa nominated Mary Ann for chair, and Mike Boyle seconded the nomination. Clare Duda nominated Marc Kraft as chair and ... Marc Kraft seconded his own nomination (?!). At least that is what has been recorded in the minutes, so Im assuming thats what happened. Mary Ann won the chair position with a vote of 5-2 (obviously the 2 were Duda and Kraft). My concern is this: The County Board is an elected board and a public forum through which a lot of our tax money passes, and where county business of concern to us all is heard. It is a dangerous precedent to allow a couple of commissioners who clearly have ties to the very people in the establishment (lawyers and judges) which we are complaining about to shut down these public comments and reports about what we see and experience. But thats exactly what will likely happen if others do not write to the board with your disapproval of Marc Krafts and Clare Dudas behavior and with strong recognition of Mary Anns consistent support of families and the public voice. Within the next day or so I will post some of the most concerning clips of these recent meetings, highlighting the troubling commentary by Mr. Kraft and Clare Duda, so you dont have to wade through hours of meetings. But until then, please consider how you might lend support to Mary Ann, and to Laura McCormick and me (and any other member of the public) who spend our time and resources bringing serious issues to the attention of the public and the board whenever we are able. Whether that is writing/emailing the board, calling members, or speaking in person for your three allotted minutes during public comment period about the relevance and right of the public to speak on any topic of importance - no matter who in government doesnt like that people are speaking out - it would help. Thanks much...
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:48:54 +0000