Editorial
By Jon A. Brake
Who are they trying to fool? The only answer is: the Citizens of Manhattan.
At last week’s City Commission Work Session on the Living Wage, the
Commissioners said they wanted to discuss the issue
more. The Commissioners told a large group attending the meeting that
they "wanted more flexibility than the ordinance
would have provided. They agreed to at least begin discussions on a
limited policy.
Discussion with whom? How about the organization that just made the
presentation, the Flinthills Living Wage Coalition.
Members of that organization received this e-mail from Mary Jo Murphy
the Coordinator:
"Important meeting with Commissioners Carol Peak and Karen McColloh
8:30am, Monday, February 21 at Mrs. Clydes
restaurant.
Everyone’s participation is critical, we need to show the diverse support
for living wages in the community and strengthen the
commission’s support with a good discussion of the essential points
in our ordinance."
Until this Commission changed the number of a quorum for a City Commission
from three to four, this meeting would have
been advertised as an open meeting. Now two members can meet an no
one is told. Just over a week ago these
Commissioners were given a packet and a presentation. Why meet with
the Living Wage Coalition again?
What about Commissioner Bruce Snead? Wednesday night Snead gave a meeting
for Sustainable Manhattan. Here is what
this e-mail said:
"Sustainable Manhattan will host a discussion tonight on current issues in the community:
What does it take to Build a Sustainable Community? Economic development investments, transportation system, living wage
requirements for companies receiving public funds, affordable housing and a comprehensive land use plan.
Bruce Snead will facilitate the discussion, beginning at 7pm, today
(Wednesday, Feb. 16), at the Manhattan Public Library
Auditorium." the e-mail was again sent by The Living Wage Coalition.
A City Commissioner who wants to be "flexible" and get "more information" is conducting a discussion on the Living Wage?
The citizens of this City are going to wake-up and find they can not
afford to live here.