I sent the following email to our elected officials this morning. I am concerned that the new administration will use town resources to promote passage of the upcoming ballot issue (to change our form of government by replacing the elected mayor position with a paid administrator). The Public Disclosure Commission clearly states they cannot use public resources, nor can they promote this issue using anything other than “normal” means. Since the town newsletter has never promoted a specific point of view, I would hope the mayor would not risk using this forum to promote their personal agenda.
The rules also allow the council to pass a resolution taking sides on this issue (which they have done), as long as they allow equal time for dissenting points of view to express their views. This is not even close to how the current Ruston council handled the issue. They did allow comment at one study session, but no public comment was allowed at the regular meetings when the issue was discussed on several occasions (including when a formal resolution was passed).
On a side note, has anyone noticed how alive the Ruston Connection web site is this week (run by new mayor Everding’s wife)? The web site’s format was changed to a “private” venue about the time the Ruston Connection newsletter editors were sued (along with the Chinese Christian Church) by Point Defiance Casino. The change in format meant that most features were no longer available unless you were a pre-approved member. Only those who agreed with them were allowed as members. Most local issues were no longer discussed publicly, and only members could comment on those that were posted.
Mr. Everding, then council member, also stated at the time he no longer had any email, although last night he mentioned having a personal email account that some folks have been using for town business.
There are 9 new posts on the RC web page since last Friday. A few contain the usual complaints about the former mayor and promote the current council and mayor’s agenda. As difficult as this is for me, I encourage town residents to check out their information. I hope you will also continue to check here for balance and alternative viewpoints that are not welcomed by the current town leadership. And Ruston will have an official town web page soon. Pretty good for a 5-square block town!
Here is the email sent today. The full list of PDC rules is available on Ruston Reports.
Just a friendly reminder to our public officials that the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) does not allow the use of Town resources to promote one side or the other on the upcoming ballot issue (to change the form of Ruston's government). I believe that would include any discussion in the Town newsletter or any communication from you in your capacity as elected officials. A full copy of the PDC guidelines will be posted on the Ruston Home blog by the end of the day.
If you intend to promote this issue as council members or mayor, I'd like hear any other interpretations of these rules from you. I look forward to an open dialog on this issue.
Karen Pickett
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3 comments:
The Mayor's wife runs a web site called the "Ruston Connection" as a "PRIVATE venue?" Those who are listed as affiliated with the site are Sally Everding, Virginia Carpio (Bill Walker's significant other), Sue Hines, and Jane Hunt? Bob Everding did not have an email address even though his wife administers this website? Anything sound fishy about this to anyone out there?
What is your purpose of this website? It sounds like an awfull lot of council/ mayor/ family/ and a couple of friends who are all newbe's to Ruston. It must be a validation thing for them.
If you mean the Ruston Home blog, the reasons for existence are listed at the bottom of the page: "Why we do what we do... We hope to provide an alternative method for communication in Ruston and keep you up to date on issues facing our Town. Ruston is only as strong as its informed citizenry. Information should be factual, timely and unbiased ~ and opinions should be many. We hope to help create a safe place where both factual information and varied opinions can be aired. Everyone is encouraged to join the conversation. Comments are open to everyone and monitored for civility and accuracy."
I can’t say we achieve that goal, but the hope is that the informational posts are neutral enough that most residents can get an accurate sense of what is happening in town and offer a variety of comments that are open to everyone. I often give my two-cents worth with posts of my opinion, or put up other people’s opinion to stimulate conversation.
If your comment is regarding the current council and mayor, you are correct in noting they are all newcomers to Ruston. They all moved into town well after the smelter closed and our culture began to change. But I know many new people who do not agree with their decisions.
If your comment is regarding this blog as authored newcomers, I’d have to disagree (unless my 23 years in Ruston would still make me a newcomer). There was a time when you were considered new unless you were at least a second generation Rustonite.
If you were referring to the Ruston Connection web page (which you probably were), I have no idea what their goal is. They grew out a movement that opposed The Commencement condo project. They say they exist for “advocacy”. Some have pointed out that to advocate, you have to work towards something. But they have never articulated a clear vision of what they want for Ruston, only what they don’t want. And they certainly have never invited input from the whole community on a common vision.
Hope that answers your questions. Thanks for commenting!
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