This is an extreme example of what can go wrong when a vacant public seat is filled, not by the will of the people, but left to the satisfaction of a few individuals.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embarked on a “corruption crime spree” and tried to benefit from his ability to appoint President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement in the U.S. Senate, federal officials said Tuesday.
At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois and alleged that the governor tried to “auction off” the Senate seat “to the highest bidder.”
He said the alleged behavior “would make (Abe) Lincoln roll over in his grave.”
No one, especially this author, believes that the Coquille council seat is being auctioned or in any way mishandled. Rather, I point out this outrageous example to illustrate that subverting the will of the people, in other words not choosing the person with the highest number of votes, may seem very self serving and NOT in the best interests of the city.
Dian, as far as I can tell, was the only candidate who actively campaigned for the position going door to door and her high vote count reflects that hard work. Additionally, her concern for the city brought to the forefront many problems with the local PD and events subsequent to the formation of Concerned Citizens of Coquille have validated all our concerns, notably a member of the public was severely injured after an encounter with officers and another officers has admitted to felony theft.
On the bright side of Dian’s many accomplishments, video surveillance cameras are being installed in police vehicles and the city has hired a professional and highly qualified new police chief. Dian is well deserving of the Councils’ November 6, unanimous agreement to bring her on to the council.
Governor Blagojovich sought to punish the Chicago Tribune for unfavorable editorials calling for his impeachment, their opinions appear to have been well founded. Our own paper has suffered ridicule for daring to stand up for issues and hold the city accountable when that is one of the most important jobs of the media.
He must not have read the whole post because I state very clearly…
“No one, especially this author, believes that the Coquille council seat is being auctioned or in any way mishandled… ”
…or he desperately needs to deliberately mislead people. We know who most of his readers are, all eight of ’em, so he must be doing some sort of National Enquirer, Coquille edition, to cater to his audience while grinding his own ax.
Naturally, the harpy and he would find each other, they are so similar.
Sorry to hear about the hand, if you need anything, let me know.
OMGAWD, I have an injured hand, typing is difficult, but what the hell is this guys’problem? NO ONE but this faux journalist and the Harpy on his shoulder has had a problem with the election. Did you see what he wrote? “what Coquille Mayor Steve Britton described as a “good media source†was posting the council seat had been “sold” and that if the city council does not indeed appoint Courtright to the seat vacated by Hagen, “hell†would be raised.”
What a horses arse.
The comparesen to Ill is startling isn’t it?
Why is he so frightened by Dian? My take is he doesn’t want the changes he sees coming, changes the citizens want. Imagine that.
Whatever ir is, that is one sad and angry bitter man.