Has anyone ever had a problem in your district, yet you felt no one would listen or you did not know who to call? I figured that being a representative of District 8, I need to let you know how you can make a difference in your community. On Wednesdays, at 3pm, the mayor and council members attend a formal council meeting that is open to the public. This is the meeting where actual ordinances, resolutions are either passed or rejected. The public is expected to attend to voice their opinion on the proposed resolutions. At the end of the meeting, a citizen comment session is held, in which constituents have the opportunity to express their concerns to the mayor and council. Beware that as you enter the council chambers you need to fill out a card to speak. These are readily accessible, but if you do not fill one out, you will not be allowed to speak. The location is the city council chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. Although the meetings are held on Wednesday, they are not every Wednesday, so call the City Clerk at 602-262-6811 to confirm the date of the next meeting. This is representative government in action!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Mike's Personality
In order for you to have a good idea of what type of person Vice-Mayor Johnson is, I need to tell you about the first time we met, which was on my second day back in November. Now, be aware that I had never seen him before on TV or in interviews so I did not know his humor. So, I’m sitting at my desk in the front of the office, and Mike comes in talking to his Chief of Staff, Adora. Adora introduces me to Mike and I go to shake his hand. Well, he doesn’t extend his hand, but looks me up and down, and then says with a dead serious face “why are you hear? What can you do for me?” I’m practically pale-white, trying to think of a good answer, but end up giving generic answers. The Councilman is just staring at me with a dead-pan face for about 15 seconds and I’m standing there shacking. He keeps staring at me and then bursts out laughing and starts shaking my hand for about 15 seconds and I breathe a sigh or relief. So, don’t be fooled by Mike’s attractive personality on TV and interviews, he can be a nightmare to interns.
ENG 217
So I had to choose between persuasive writing and creative nonfiction for an English class this semester. While persuasive writing may be more practical, I figured my workload would be lighter if I chose creative nonfiction. The professor is Mike Cryer, and I never thought I would enjoy an English class as much as this one. We are still writing our first essay, but it is basically a reflective narrative on a novel and how it connects to our lives. This is quite different than composition classes. In fact, at a workshop when we going over my rough draft, Mike said it was too “academic” and I needed to write in more of a narrative fashion, using dialogue. I completely revamped my essay and now it’s like a mini short story. This is a new way of writing for me, but I’m starting to enjoy writing creatively. If anyone needs to take an extra English class, I would definitely recommend ENG 217 with Mike Cryer.
Caffeine
I probably drink more caffeine that I should; coffee and monster energy drinks (low carb) are my partners in crime. I drink probably 3-4 cups of coffee per day, and at least one energy drink every day. I know I should cut back, but for now, it helps me study late into the night. I have never had any problems with caffeine, so I am willing to try just about any of them if there are low in sugar (the ones I drink have 3 grams). Well, I was listening to NPR the other day, and the topic was a new energy product called Aeroshot. It is a breathable energy supplement that dissolves in your mouth. As for someone who loves caffeine, I don’t think I’m brave enough to try this. As of now they are only available on the east coast, but you can buy them online. Maybe someday I will work up the nerve, but for now coffee and monster will suffice.
Driving Over Street Signs
One of the city’s Public Works employees is in trouble. A couple of days ago we received a call from a constituent who claimed that as a Public Works truck driver was driving out of a neighborhood, he drive into a street sign, stopped and looked around, then continued to drive on. The person who called followed the driver, who then proceeded to 65mph in a residential area, right across the street from a park. After the driver realized he was caught, he went back to the street sign and reported the accident. If all this is true, that is extremely dangerous. I mean 65mph in a neighborhood! The guy who called wasn’t mad at me (thank God), he was just stunned at what happened. So I e-mailed the Public Works department, and now HR is investigating the incident. The PW employee did receive a Notice of Inquiry, which gives him an opportunity to tell his story. I doubt he will be fired, but I wonder if he will be able to drive anymore.
Don't ask what it's regarding
I got a lesson a couple of days ago about inquiring into why people want to speak to the Councilman. Before I start, realize that the way I talk to people on the phone, is how Stephen, the Chief of Staff taught me how. He told me to always get information regarding the call to give to Mike. He told me I don’t have to get details, just a broad description of the concern. Well, the call I got today might have taught me otherwise. So, I pick up the phone and say my routine and the person asks to speak to Mike. I said he’s out of the office, but I’d be glad to help, or you can leave a message. He told me his name and phone number and asked Mike to give him a call back. I asked what it’s regarding and he said it’s personal. I told him I need to have some information to give the councilman so he knows what the call is regarding. HE GOT MAD! He told me its none of my business and I shouldn’t be asking. He didn’t cuss at me, but I could tell he wanted to, and then I thought he hung up on me. About a minute later, he called back, calmer, and said he was sorry the phone got cut off. He started to tell me what it was about but all he said was how in his area, cops are giving tickets to black people. I inquired, out of curiosity, not ignorance, if he was sure that they were not doing anything illegal. He did not like that. He started threatening that he was going to report me and how I won’t be here long. I didn’t argue, I just said I will give the message to the councilman and then hung up. Well, about 45 seconds later he called back and demanded my name. I told him and then he hung up. I don’t think I will follow Steve’s advice this closely anymore.
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