Who did you vote for? The City Council!! You voted for them with the understanding that they were to conduct the city's business utilizing the combined wisdom of all of them, presumably to make fully vetted and proper decisions.
The City Council is now contemplating granting some of their authority, obligations and duties to someone you didn't vote for. Some might say they're trying to duck potential criticism.
Today's edition of the Rowlett Lakeshore Times is reporting that Council is taking it under advisement to amend Chapter 77-704 of the Rowlett Development Code to require that three fourths of City Council votes be required to override some P&Z votes denying certain applications. There are some conditions, but I don't care. City Council should NEVER relinquish duty or authority that blocks the taxpayer from any redress to the un-elected. The Boards, Commissions, and the City Manager work for the City Council. Period. We only vote for Council members. No one else. I want Council with complete override authority. I don't want anyone on Council use the excuse, "Well, I couldn't do anything about it, because some condition wasn't met." That's avoidance of responsibility and crap.
There was an insert in the article that quoted Munal M. Auladad, Director of Community Development. It is reported she said, "It makes a lot of sense because it increases that transparency, increases the ability to understand the role of the city."
Huh?
First of all, it DECREASES transparency. Secondly, I have no idea how it helps me "understand the role of city." It's just gobblygook. I think I have a good grasp on what the role of the city is. To suggest that I don't is just pure arrogance and elitism.
Here's what I understand. I only get to vote for City Council. Therefore, I hold them responsible for anything that happens in the city. I don't want anybody else making decisions that has control over my life that I can't hold responsible. This is the US of A........not the kingdom of Rowlett. If this is being done to misdirect criticism of City Council's actions.........for shame.