May 27, 2001
Dear Commentary:
I would like to take a moment to answer a question that County Board Supervisor Mike Norton asked in one of his responses to Commentary.
He asked if I (Councilman Esslinger) violated the Council policy by wishing you a happy birthday. The answer to that question is no. Presently during Council Member statements, Council Members are not limited to the content of their statements. I'm also sorry that I got the date wrong of your birthday (July 1st, not June 1st).
He also asked if the City is going to celebrate your birthday. As far as I know the answer is no. Sorry.
I found it interesting though that Board Supervisor Norton took exception with the citizen / Council Member statement policy, he calls it a double standard. He states that elected officials should not have any more rights than citizens. This statement is coming from someone that serves on a board that does not even allow citizens to speak to items not on the agenda. Currently the Oshkosh Common Council allows citizens to speak on items not on the agenda.
I would direct your attention to page 84 of the 2000-2001 Official Directory of Winnebago County, which outlines the rules of the County Board. It reads: "Public comments will be heard by the Board only on those Resolutions and Ordinances on the adopted agenda for that meeting." There is no section in the book that describes a section of the agenda for citizens to speak on any other items not on the agenda.
I would expect Board Member Norton to be bringing forward a Resolution to amend the rules, and allow public comment on anything that citizens would like to speak to.
I hope I've cleared up the confusion for Mr. Norton, and I look forward to his Resolution on the County Board rules.
Sincerely,
Paul Esslinger
Oshkosh Common Council