So Much For Unity

The majority of City Councilors seated or returned to office on January 1st followed the former Mayor’s lead in making ‘bickering’ a campaign issue. They portrayed themselves as the solution, but Wednesday night showed that many of them have been, and continue to be part of the problem. Not to be partisan, but no one spoke more about the need for civility and respect than the members of “Team GOP”. But Wednesday night, it was the “Team GOP” officials that brought hostility to the table.

It was the first, organizational meeting of the new Geneva City Council, what is normally a non-controversial series of actions. One of the required actions is a discussion of the City Attorney post--an appointed position. Mayor Einstein announced the formation of a committee to study the City Attorney position and to determine how that office might best serve the City. In keeping with his commitment to open government, Einstein named Councilor-At-Large Steve O’Malley (Democrat), local attorney and former Councilor Barb Roesch-Rokow, and Councilor-At-Large Ron Alcock (Team GOP) to the committee.

In highly inflammatory language on the public floor, Alcock confronted Einstein, saying that the study “smacks of a political vendetta.” He went on to say that he’d be “uncomfortable working with the committee.” He was joined by Councilor Lou Cosentino and Councilor John Greco in criticizing the timing of Einstein’s announcement, i.e., at the meeting that night. Noting current City Attorney Clark Cannon’s absence from the meeting, Alcock suggested it was a good thing Cannon was out. “It would have been disrespectful,” had Cannon been present, and “a slap in the face.”

Apparently in response to the formation of the committee, Cannon submitted a letter of resignation to Council the night of the meeting. Councilor Valentino told his colleagues and the public, “Buckle your seat belts, we’re in for a ride.” We certainly hope that civility will be brought back to the table as Einstein drives the City Council towards more open and responsive government. If Wednesday night was any indication of the new council’s demeanor, it’s likely to be a very bumpy ride.