City officials could use code of conduct handbook

Letter to the editor: Last week’s city council meeting, held on Sept. 18, was yet another difficult situation through which we had to navigate. Also present, was the reoccurring theme of council members who focus on their enemies and not the problem.

Referred to as The Amygdala Hijack, where folks tend to focus deeply on an emotion and not the point of discussion. The person is not the issue… the problem is the issue... and I will get to what I mean by that specifically.

Some council members chose to use fact, and others utilized opinion and palaver, and others dictionary references, and some the more circuitous route to their point of view. But, what no one did was focus on the problem!

A problem is an opportunity and the catalyst for change. We must stop the pervasive and creeping disorder we see within the four walls of Harris Hall during city council meetings... yet even when presented with an opportunity (problem) the council members, as leaders of our city, didn’t employ thought leadership.

Some chose to not focus on the problem and to dissolve and tear down “people.” The time, energy, illogical patronizing and disparaging efforts that were executed against the preparation of their rebuttals and speaking to such – would have been better used to simply… simply… solve the problem.

The problem at hand isn’t freedom of speech nor opinion… but, rather when someone uses free speech beyond its intended use. When does free speech become offensive?

Ask Jeffrey Mezger, the CEO of homebuilder KB Home.

He wasn’t at work, but rather at home and still shows... proves as a corporate official or city official you are always ON… and to carry yourself as such.

Based on the meeting and evidence we might feel a bit clearer on this, or do we? Regardless, the vexation was felt by many. I ask… • What was in place for this (to) not happen? • How did it happen? • How will it not happen again?

Based on research, there is truly nothing in existence nor all inclusive that will satisfy the aforementioned. Nowhere that I could see is there a policy, procedure or process that indicates how city officials appointed, elected or otherwise should compose themselves in the interest of the public. Being a public figure in Woonsocket should require one to be above reproach and avoid even the very slightest appearance of indecorum. This appears ad hoc and situational at best.

I recommend to initiate and create a draft for how council and board members should act and recognizing that stewardship of Woonsocket’s interests must be their primary concern, all whilst working collectively for the common good.

Simply titled: City of Woonsocket Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials At a minimum it should: • speak to the conduct of members, respecting others, morals, conduct at meetings and decisions based on merit and for the right reason.

• include defined consequences for not adhering to guidelines and principles. Training, or corrective action plans for offenders to ensure compliance to.

Perchance this may establish some decency and order in our political community.

All would be required to read, acknowledge and undersign. What say you? I look forward to seeing some action put toward this by the next city council meeting.

I would ask that each of the current council members reflect upon the following and determine if they would be guilty as charged for their actions from the last city council meeting related to the subject at hand… with no omission of, and exhaustiveness.

In this case I would want to be charged as guilty. Use your own specific examples to place against each bullet below.

• Focused on Woonsocket’s strategic long-term goals and shorter-term goals

• Weighed out the risks and benefits when creating your response, plans and strategy

• Saw the current issue and problem as opportunity for change

• Partnered cross functionally across Woonsocket’s officials to ensure best outcome

• Held self-accountable for delivery of results

• Made fact based decisions and were not influenced by others or even worse intimidated by

• Unified a culture that empowers and allows others to be part of the discussion and solution

I hope that those who desire to better themselves determine the root cause of their behavior.

My point of view is not to be a rabblerouser, but rather consider the needs of the city before the needs of oneself. “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” —Mark Twain Respectfully submitted, Scott Andrew MacLennan Woonsocket (This writer serves on the Zoning Board of Review in Woonsocket)