CITY AFFAIRS
By The City Watchman
With so much negativism appearing in other media these days I thought I would inject some positive thoughts for the current City Council members and the public in general to ponder over. These thoughts came to mind after reading a book titled “The Traveler’s Gift”; written by Andy Andrews, In his book, Mr. Andrews paraphrases various statements said to have been stated by President Abraham Lincoln. These are used as my references in this writing.
On page 148 Mr. Andrews states, “The spirit of our government and our institutions must be to elevate people…”. The meetings of the current Council substantiates this idea through the efforts of specific current Council Representatives requesting more detailed information be included on the agenda for the public thus allowing for more discussion. The questions asked by some Council Members, to obtain further clarification and/or explanation of proposed ordinances that would benefit the public by revealing specifics or uniqueness to the proposed changes. Many of these questions are the same that a citizen is thinking but unable to ask, again proven over and over by the complimentary phone calls received from constituents. Looking back over the past several years and observing those past Council meetings, we saw little or no discussion prior to voting. The agenda listed a very short sentence to describe the Bill, etc. If a citizen wanted to know more, they had to physically go to City Hall and request information and attempt to understand what was written. Now the agenda is available on the Internet at the City web site along with further information. Previously the agenda was published in the FCN for the benefit of those citizens who do not have access to a computer until the Mayor and City Administrator obstructed it. The changes initiated by this Council are definite improvements that elevate the people by providing better communication rather than simply a short statement.
This current Council saved approximately $1 million by soliciting bids for the health insurance contracts. It is anticipated the savings will cover the total costs of the City Administrator’s full term contract. This Council also trimmed $1 million on the current budget to satisfy the announced possible short fall in gaming revenue for 2005. This Council has passed ordinances and approved contracts for road projects that will elevate people by improving the quality of life for the citizens of St Charles. Ordinances have been restructured and new ones inacted strengthening responsibility for violations by individuals. Enforcement has been enhanced compared with previous years.
Another statement made by President Lincoln, as paraphrased on page 143 and 144; “Sooner or later, every man of character will have that character questioned. Every man of honor and courage will be faced with unjust criticism, but never forget that unjust criticism has no impact whatsoever upon the truth. And the only sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing. My platform, however, is that while public opinion might sway back and forth, right” (RIGHT) “and wrong” (WRONG) “do not.” These statements ring so true today concerning two of our Council Representatives whose character and integrity is slammed bammed in newspaper articles with unsubstantiated editorials written with the sole intent to slander and ridicule. I especially like the part “…has no impact whatsoever upon the TRUTH.” These two Council Representatives can stand proud of their commitment to follow the Oath of Office each swore to uphold in April 2004. Their dedication and perseverance will stand to prove their character and integrity of the highest level. Their sole purpose to further the quality of life for the citizens of the City of St Charles, to make quality decisions based upon fact not fiction, base on sound judgement and to the best of their ability.
To further Abraham Lincoln’s comment concerning right and wrong, a further paraphrased statement states on Page 148; “I am of the opinion that right makes might.” Just as there is power in the Word, doing the right thing will earn honor, respect and builds the power to win over evil. Just as a man who walks the talk, respect is obtained and his character is unquestioned. When Abraham Lincoln was asked if he thought God was on his side he replied, “I am much more concerned with whether we are on God’s side.” (Page 149) Thinking God is on our side is to say what we are doing is totally correct and discounts our human failings. Being on God’s side means doing for His glorification and reasons, not for our self-glorification and reasons
.
To follow up on an article appearing in the FCN last weekend, Abraham Lincoln confirmed one punch line when he stated “And the only sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing.” (Page 143-144) To put this statement another way: to give in to those who criticize for the wrong reason the way this Council is performing, is to cause ones own demise, thus joining with those who promote special interest agendas. “If we familiarize ourselves with the chains of bondage, we prepare our own limbs to wear them”, Abraham Lincoln is purported to have said on page 148. The chains of bondage I believe are those of special interest groups or individuals.
There are some individuals on this current Council who are irrevocably doing and performing their duties for the benefit of all residents. Because of this they are receiving erroneous criticism for the sole purpose of distorting the TRUTH and FACT. I for one, along with other citizens voice our support for the strong stand these few Council Representatives have taken.
I write the oath each of these Council Representatives swore to uphold and ask you after reading it that you reflect and decide for yourselves wish are upholding their affirmation.
“I, ______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I possess all the qualifications prescribed for my office by the general law of the State of Missouri governing Constitutional Charter Cities; that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Missouri; the provisions of the law of this State governing Constitutional Charter Cities and the ordinances of the City of St Charles, MO, and that I faithfully demean myself in the office as Councilmember, Ward ___ , City of St Charles, MO, for a term ending April 2007.”
“…to seek the approval of someone who is lazy or jealous is to cast your pearls before swine. You will find that God rarely uses a person whose main concern is what others are thinking.” (Page 142)
“I was elected by a minority of the popular vote.” (Page143)
If I were to concern myself with the newspaper columns that label me dishonest or stupid, if I had my feelings destroyed every time a political opponent called me an ape or a buffoon, I would never be about the work for which I was born!” (Page 143)
“Sooner or later, every man of character will have that character questioned.” (Page 143)
“Every man of honor and courage will be faced with unjust criticism, but never forget that unjust criticism has no impact whatsoever upon the truth.” (Page 143)
“And the only sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing.” (Page 143-144)
My platform, however, is that while public opinion might sway back and forth, right and wrong do not.” (Page 148)
“If we familiarize ourselves with the chains of bondage, we prepare our own limbs to wear them.” (Page 148)
“The spirit of our government and our institutions must be to elevate people,…” (Page 148)
I am of the opinion that right makes might,” (Page 148)
“I am much more concerned with whether we are on God’s side.” (page 149)
Andrews, Andy, The Traveler’s Gift,
New York, Thomas Nelson Inc., 2004
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Phillips, Donald T. Lincoln On Leadership.
New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1957
Wills, Garry. Lincoln at Gettysburg, The Words That
Made America. New York: Touchstone, 1992
