tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060586523627520040.post7921816957163116491..comments2024-01-21T18:21:57.720-08:00Comments on Shining a Light on Germantown: Smart Growth; "Tax-Increment Financing"; The IDB, and Possible Adverse ConsequencesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060586523627520040.post-6435627116618491832017-01-26T16:16:19.041-08:002017-01-26T16:16:19.041-08:00I'm not sure when the gag order to forbid usin...I'm not sure when the gag order to forbid using names during Citizens To Be Heard was put in place, but as far as I can tell the use of initials is still permitted. So let me pay homage to the City's latest attempt to stifle dissent by saying: When MP nominated DK for the IDB it was an example of cronyism in its purest form. <br /><br />Initially the nomination was put in as part of the Consent Agenda so that it would be approved without public discussion. When that was exposed and moved to the regular agenda, public discussion centered on two topics: <br /><br />1) Why was DK allowed to file late, in fact more than a month late? MP says it was because the deadline was not a real deadline just a reminder for citizens to be aware that applications were being taken. Last I checked, deadlines are instituted for a purpose. If he had missed his filing date by even 1 day, MP would not be mayor today. The real reason was that they needed to wait until DK had lost his alderman post and was able to apply as a private citizen.<br /><br />2) Why was his lack of background in land planning, architecture or engineering not a disqualifier? MP said it was precisely this lack of knowledge that made DK the most attractive candidate, because the last IDB member, GM, resigned due to conflict of interest. Three things bear noting here: 1) MP was the one who appointed him, with full knowledge of his background. 2) No other recent IDB member has resigned because of conflict of interest. The reason GM resigned was not his knowledge of these crucial fields, but because his firm was financially tied to the city's most important construction projects. 3) GM was appointed to the IDB immediately after he lost his alderman's post. DK was nominated immediately after he lost his alderman's post. Has the IDB become the consolation prize for MP's cronies who lost their jobs?<br /><br />There is a qualified candidate who has the financial background that ties directly into the IDB's work. She is a far more knowledgeable and independent candidate for this position. In the spirit of full transparency, and awarding the job to the most appropriate person, I hope the Board will reject cronyism and appoint the most deserving candidate to the IDB. <br /><br /> Herschel FreemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com