It’s not been a very quiet week in Lake Wobegon. In fact, it’s not been a very quiet few months.
I’ve been asked by a few people how I could “allow” Springfield City Council to address controversial issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, marijuana and a proposed hotel on U.S. Highway 65 near Millwood. Here’s how those conversations typically go:
“How could you allow a bill to add sexual orientation and gender identity to our community’s nondiscrimination list go before City Council? Couldn’t you derail that?”
Well, no. That request originated from the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights. This group of citizens brought the issue forward, and they have every right to do so because the commission reports directly to City Council.
“OK, so why was the legalization of marijuana brought before City Council?”
Well, first, the marijuana bill merely reduces the penalties for marijuana possession of 35 grams or less – it does not legalize or decriminalize marijuana, although these are the terms we hear over and over. Second, this issue was brought to council via an initiative petition, and the petitioners accumulated the required number of signatures. This is a process made possible in our city charter.
“Well, why was City Council required to vote on a proposed hotel near Millwood? Can’t you keep those controversial issues away?”
Nope. Developers and landowners constantly bring proposals to the Planning & Zoning Commission and to council. Again, this is the way the process works. Not every proposal gets approved. Council members must constantly balance the needs and concerns of neighborhoods against proposals for development and growth – it’s not an easy balancing act, but someone must do it. It’s fairly tough work for a volunteer commission and a volunteer council.
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is democracy in action. I know, democracy can be messy. Even though we live in a republic, with a representative form of government, there are opportunities for others to move democracy to the forefront and place these issues on City Council’s agenda. And as uncomfortable as it can make people feel at times, it’s still the best system of government in the world. Maybe some of us need to be pushed out of our comfort zones occasionally.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
