Wickliffe taking right approach to resolve issues

If you want to see a good example of how local governments should go about solving problems, consider what happened at the Jan. 27 Wickliffe City Council meeting. During that meeting, a few recent policy changes instituted by Mayor John Barbish sparked some intense discussion and debate. The mayoral decisions that have drawn strong reactions are a cessation of city leaf pickup, a “no time, no fine” personal-use marijuana directive, and the closing of Jindra pool.

Opposition to these policies was expressed by not only council members, but also residents who stood and sat in aisles after all available chairs in the meeting room were filled.

Councilwoman Sherry Koski started by asking the mayor his motivations for the policy changes.

“What are you trying to do by closing (Jindra) pool and allowing more marijuana in, stopping leaf pickup?” Koski asked. “We know that you don’t have leaves on your property and that’s not something you have to deal with and the rest of us do. This is something that the residents have always come to expect, certain services.”

Barbish disagreed that his “no time, no fine” policy for personal-use marijuana was an attempt to bring more into the city.

“You’re statement that I’m allowing more in is absolutely ridiculous. It’s already here,” he said.

Barbish also addressed the ending of leaf pickups.

“I’m trying to reduce nonessential services so we don’t have to make cuts to police and fire when the time comes,” he said, estimating the cessation of leaf pickups would save the city $25,000 to $30,000.

The mayor also refuted Koski’s claim that he had no trees on his property.

“I’m fully confident the people in the city can take care of the leaves themselves,” Barbish said. “It might be difficult for a handful of folks, but they have plenty of time to plan and I’m fully confident they’ll be able to handle it.”

Councilwoman Maria Salloto also challenged the mayor’s suggestion that the elderly who relied on city leaf pickup can just have one of their sons perform the labor for them, like he claimed to do for his own father.

“What if these people didn’t have sons to come over and do that?” she asked.

Barbish’s response of, “Then they’ll hire a landscaper,” drew the ire from the crowd. This prompted Council President Edward Levon to admonish those in attendance for their repeated outbursts.

While Barbish and council members jousted over his policy changes, they also decided on further steps they’ll take regarding the measures.

Councilman Joe Sakacs proposed the discussion to create an ordinance that would make it mandatory for the city to resume leaf pickup in direct contradiction to Barbish’s new policy.

Sakacs also stated at the meeting that he intends to push forward another ordinance that would also keep Jindra pool open, “as long as there is money to keep it open.”

The mayor also put forth his “no fine, no time” directive to a commission for more discussion. While this was approved, Levon added, “I do want to state that I think it’s a terrible idea to create ordinances that conflict with state laws.”

Barbish’s request was volleyed by a subsequent appeal by Salloto to hold a Welfare and Legislation Committee meeting to discuss both leaf pickup and marijuana policies. Both suggestions were approved.

In our opinion, this is the way local government should work — with elected officials having the courage to stand up for what they think is best for their constituents, and developing proposals, policies or legislation accordingly.

At the same time, we commend residents for their desire to speak up at public meetings when they are upset by decisions or policies made by elected officials and appointed administrators. After all, citizens are the ones who pay taxes to keep local government operating. So they shouldn’t be shy about sounding off in front of local government leaders.

... we commend residents for their desire to speak up at public meetings ...