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Picking the top 5 reasons to vote against Measure N was no easy task; there are so many.
I selected 5 provisions that to my knowledge exist nowhere in America; certainly not in any of the cities supporters have offered as evidence that Dixon has nothing to fear from her unnecessary, unfunded, and unbelievable ballot measure.
- Unlimited time for speakers, section 12.01.10
- Ban on city officials from privately "briefing" more than two council members, section 12.01.12
- "Random selection" of three-member Open Governance Commission, section 12.01.32
- Internet postings of ALL applications for City employment, section 12.01.23
- Banning of councilpersons' smart phones/I-Pads/etc. and installation of video screens behind them so the public can see what's on their city-provided device, section 12.01.09
Where to start:
1. Imagine your favorite blowhard at the mic with no time limit. The minute the mayor asks the person to finish up...here comes a lawsuit. And this is supposed to create a better city?
2. The greatest decision makers in business, the military, etc.---want as much information, from as many viewpoints as possible. Not in Dixon. If you’re the city engineer and you have some insight about a City problem, you had better keep your mouth shut unless you're asked a question during a meeting. And this is supposed to create a better city?
3. You want to be on the open government commission? Just put your name in the hat and hope for the best. As Mrs. Riddle said during a recent forum, even an idiot like me could make it on to the commission. And this is supposed to create a better city?
4. How many of you have looked for a job while working for a boss who would not appreciate you looking for another job while working for him? Anyone want to risk being outed by applying for a job in Dixon. As Personnel Director Steve Johnson said, "There will be a chilling effect on the quality and quantity of the applicants to the City" (8-28-2012 council meeting). And this is supposed to create a better city?
5. Funny how the libertarian leaning proponents of Measure N want to install video screens behind our sneaky council members. Talk about Big Brother. And this is supposed to create a better city?
Dixon, really? And Measure N is supposed to create a better city?
-- Steve Steiert
Dixon resiednt and NOT a current or past city employee. Also NOT a member of any civic organization that may or may not be part of the "shadow government."
