Financial Advisory Board and Free Speech

We need to reflect on what the motivating factor was to have an independent country, eventually the United States of America – to dissolve ourselves from the tyranny of King George. We fought an American revolution to protect freedom and liberties. According to the World Book encyclopedia, there were 25,700 Americans killed, and 10,000 British killed. In all 35,700 died – for us. There are no kings here nor are there any princesses. What we do have are millions of people protected by our Constitution and the freedom of speech. The Financial Advisory Board is no exception.

There was an e-mail sent out by a member of the FAB complaining that the Chair asked the Commission (on the night the millage was discussed) on how it would like the FAB to give its recommendations. This member, described as a community activist, has now challenged, once again, the Chair’s authority to even ask a question of the City Commission. What is the purpose of this constant harassment and belittling other than to cause divisiveness on this Board that must have cohesion.

Over several weeks the FAB wondered how to communicate its recommendations. A motion was made to have a joint meeting with the City Commission to find out. One week later, the motion was withdrawn. No one knew how to proceed. They guessed at it. The Chair took the leadership role and did the simple thing—he asked the Commission as there was no set understanding or mechanism in place to transmit recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.

Instead of finding fault from everyone from the City Manager, to the new Finance Director and the continued bullying of the Chair, the Board needs to act as a team and stop the in-fighting over petty perceptions, real or imaginary. The Board must work and support each other and not get bogged down with personalities and politics. There is important work to do.

LETTER BELOW:

Since Steve neglected to mention it, I will also be bringing up for discussion, the Chair's violation of Board policy. I have now asked twice and been told that this will NOT be added to the upcoming agenda.

At the May 26th FAB meeting, the Board reached consensus that when the Chair speaks in front of the Commission, he will stick strictly to motions passed by the Board. Last evening, the Chair spoke before the Commission as the Chairman of the Finance Advisory Board. Without any discussion, input or approval from the Board he persisted in asking the Commission how the Board should conduct their affairs and recommendations. In addition, he also spoke to the Commission about the "almost motion" he had at Wednesday's meeting for the Board to approve the proposed millage rate!

Being present at the Commission meeting, I was shocked and appalled that the Chair would so flagrantly violate Board policy in this way. The manner in which this was brought up before the Commission, during public comment on the proposed millage rate, is unacceptable. As upset as I was, I adhered to Board policy and did not contradict the Chair in this very public forum.

If anyone likes, I have the audio from the May 26th meeting where both the Chair and Board member conduct before the Commission was discussed and consensus was reached. The minutes, stating as much, were approved unanimously. I have attached a copy for you to review.

Have a Happy 4th of July weekend.

The Financial Advisory Board has never been given direction by the City Commission on how to present its recommendations. The question posed by Chair Exline is appropriate. The Chair has the discretion to ask a question, use good judgment and get things done. That is his role whether a member likes it or not. There was no harm in the question. At least now, there is no guessing game on how to communicate with the City Commission.