Friday, January 12, 2007

CM PRESS # 59

DEADLINES AND THE TWO COMMISSIONS

Back in mid-December when applications were being taken for appointments to the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, the CM PRESS asked City Hall for a list of names of applicants.

We were told that no information, no names, no nothing would be released, not only until after the application deadline had passed--5:00 p. m. December, 27, 2006--but also not until the names had been sent to the City Councilmembers in their packets, which would be a couple of days later.

We figured that sounded like a sensible way to handle things because it would keep anyone who hadn't applied by the deadline from having the opportunity to comb through the names and resumes of those who did apply to check out the competition before deciding if they wanted to also apply; and if they did decide to apply, how best to word their applications.

In other words, the stated City policy of keeping all cards face down and then having everyone turn them over at the same time seemed like square shooting to the CM PRESS.

On January 2, City Hall finally let the CM PRESS (and everyone else) see what was supposed to be the final list of applicants for the two commissions. We published the list in CM PRESS #50 on that date.

Today (1/12), however, we learned from the City's website that four people's names have now been added to that "final" list. Final is apparently not final.

Here are the names of these four applicants and the dates they applied for the commissions:

Dan Worthington applied 1/3/07 for Planning Commission
Bill Perkins applied 1/8/07 for Planning Commission
Brent J. Mazur applied 1/8/07 for Parks and Recreation Commission
James M. Righeimer applied 1/9/07 for Planning Commission

So, the question now becomes one of whether or not the City Council will vote to let the four late applicants be considered for positions, or whether the Council will hold to its own deadline of December 27.

And, if the Council votes to let these four applicants be considered, then shouldn't the Council open the process once again and let even more applicants apply?
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