Well Kilgoreites - I am letting it all sink in for a bit and then I will elaborate on the utter nonsense of the City Council. Cowards at best for sure. I only had 3 minutes during public comments and honestly there was nothing left to say since they have all of the information but you know me...I managed to find a few words.... :) Here is what I read - I really had to butcher it to get it done- so its not ideal . I would like to take this time to thank the City Council for the opportunity at the last regular meeting, to present citizen concerns. I also, request on behalf of many, to know what your reasons may be for NOT placing an item on the agenda. You have put thought into other agenda items with much less available information on a topic. In all fairness, I ask that you use at least the same standard to decide this. Whether or not to place an item on the agenda should not be determined by any of the following: Whether you like or dislike the person or personality of those presenting Whether they voted for you or not Whether someone offended you Whether you agree with what is posted in social media or an opinion piece Citizen communication with city council is important – but whether you receive 1 call on the matter -- or 100 calls – consider citizen comments; but that should not be the only determining factor in doing what is right. When light is shed on a matter by a constituent, requesting your leadership, direction and action, we need to be able to have full confidence ---- when it is in your hands, that you will thoughtfully address it. An agenda item should be considered by a combination of things, citizens concern yes, but also on its merit, the facts of the matter, the law, the authority that you have ---and ethics. I gave you pictures of citizens who cant be here tonight. When you say NO to an agenda item, You say NO to them as well. They respect your position on the council but they DO want answers as to WHY NOT put it on the agenda? Tonight they request a future statement from each of you on this matter. This resolution is important to send a message, and to-NOT even be willing to vote on it--- ALSO sends a message. On another note – Just today in the Longview News Journal Gregg County seeks indigent defense funds: Commissioners recently filed their application for state money to pay lawyers representing people who can’t afford one. Due to cuts the state contribution will not meet the local expense. Gregg County spends more than $1 million annually on lawyers for poor defendants, state contribution has decreased from $70,000 to less than $40,000..shifting more state costs to the counties - “indigent funds” includes the poor citizens who cant afford representation – I am not addressing them - we dont want to take anything from them, in fact deterring illegal immigration leaves more money for Texas citizens who truly need it. . So, We will be requesting from the Gregg county auditor, an itemized break down on the cost pertaining to illegal immigration – as these costs get shifted to local taxpayers. With higher taxes, even though you-- are a city official and not county – A nonchalant response on the issue of deterring illegal immigration in Kilgore, by not even doing the minimum to stifle these costs - will be on your hands. We will remember this with our next tax increase. Lastly, I would like to request that any public servant who is willing–whether it be one of you, our city attorney or city clerk, to hold a public education meeting or to be a guest at a public forum which we will host, to give direction and verification of current guidelines, as they are listed in the City Charter in Article X - Sections 1-9 concerning INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL --In the event that we move forward with our petition to declare this a ballot initiative. This would also be good for citizens to understand for future reference. I look forward to who ever of you volunteers to assist in this manner. And again, Thank you for your time.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 01:36:26 +0000
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