Annapolitans packed the City Council Chambers last night to voice their concern over Mayor Josh Cohen’s proposed 2012 budget in light of the City’s financial crisis.
NOTE: we’ll be posting footage all day long, so check back on this page frequently.
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An hour later, Mayor Cohen, Alderwoman Hoyle, Finlayson, Alderman Silverman, Kirby and to a lesser extent, Alderman Pfeiffer voted to increase spending, increase positions and give the Fire Department a clause that would prohibit the City from laying off any employees – all voted on at 11:45 at night.
Even though there was no need to approve that contract at that time, and over the objections of Aldermen Arnett and Paone, as well as in the absence of Alderman Isreal (totally disinfranchising Ward 1), they passed a contract with the Fire Fighter’s union.
Contrary to City law there was no financial impact assessment, until one was hurridly thrown together and presented to the aldermen, minutes before the vote.
City Manager, Mike Mallinoff said that it must be voted on tonight, because the head of HR had been sick in January, and they had worked hard on the negotiations – a complete non-sequitur in rationale for then need to vote at midnight.
It’s really astonishing that after hours of testimony about the need to cut spending and eliminate vacant positions, the Mayor and some on the City Council went right ahead and did just the opposite with respect to a major labor force, thus presenting the following unions with the right to demand the same.
It was an incredible disconnect from the hours of testimony they had just heard from the taxpayers of Annapolis. Look for it to be used as a political manuver by Cohen, Finlayson, rather than a fiduciary response to the citizens of Annapolis and a dire fiscal condition.
My question – particularly in light of what was said last night – is what will Annapolitans do now? As I see it, the gauntlet has verbally been laid down on several occasions, with the words “recall” and “election” bandied about. But will anyone do anything toward that end?
I wonder if Mayor Cohen’s seeming meted interest in City Council testimony is because he doesn’t fear the people giving it. We’ve all heard the phrase “all bark, no bite” – perhaps that’s the Mayor’s perception as well. So what if all Ward 1 and Ward 8 come down to the Council Chambers and voice their opions/threats – I still have 2-7 who either don’t care or or give implicit approval.
Kyle – thanks for your coverage of this meeting. As you (and we) witnessed, (some of)the Council refuses to admit this City has a serious financial crisis on its hands. Then, after the crowds depart, Cohen and cohorts pass the “no-layoff” firemen’s contract. It will be short-order before the policeman’s union seeks the same. Also, AFSCME, the union covering PW and Parks and Rec has a “most favored nation” clause which says “if anybody gets more than we have, then we are entitled to it too”. So, Cohen will have limited layoffs to non-unionized employees” Planning and Zoning, Finance and, of course, the Mayor’s Office.
As you note, the majority of attendees came from Wards 1 and 8; I would add: with a respectable showing from 2 and 5. Perhaps these residents are the most outspoken, but it is with good reason: the bulk of property taxes come from these people and families. But there WERE citizens from every Ward in attendance. For most people, the “wake-up call” will be when then the property tax bills arrive in late July and the first wave of water and sewer bills arrive shortly after. The pain will be quick … and lasting. Let’s hope they don’t forget
[...] to send a signal to the Council that the City is swimming in debt. The Annapolis Sound has some excellent video coverage of the meeting. In addition, the City’s Financial Advisory Commission presented their report [...]