East Ridge taxpayers pay for IPhones for staff and officials. I know from conversations with staff and officials that they are used daily for communications and that is what they are for. However, when they are being used to disseminate information and determine how elected officials feel about issues that are coming up for a vote, that could be a problem. Public business is to be done in public, not on IPhones by conversation, text or email.
If staff or elected officials want to present a proposal, then do it at public meetings.
Staff and officials, face to face, communicating back and forth, sharing opinions, information, and ideas on an issue might lead to better votes. No one knows everything. We all have strengths in different areas and, if we are open-minded and listen, we could learn from each other. Who knows, maybe with open discussions in front of media and citizens you might find out more information which could lead to wiser decisions about city business. As a resident, taxpayer and concerned citizen of East Ridge, I ask you to please put down those IPhones and discuss city business in front of the citizens that put you in office.
I urge ER citizens to call City Hall, 867-7711, and request the city-issued phone numbers of your elected officials and staff. If a citizen has a problem with service or decisions you should be able to contact the person that can help you.
Citizens, you pay for their phone services and you should be able to use it. You should not have to leave a message on a machine and wait days to get a response, if you get a response at all.
Frances Pope