Cleveland Advocate - News
Is there a place in city business for personal agendas?
By VANESA BRASHIER
On Tuesday night, the Cleveland City Council is expected to discuss the possible termination of City Manager Philip Cook’s contract. The item was placed on the agenda after a member of council reportedly asked that it be included.
It’s no surprise that Cook is coming under fire these days, particularly since the hiring process for the new police chief seems to be of interest to certain members of council who have their own favorite candidate for the chief position.
Cook, instead of giving in to this pressure, has enlisted the impartial opinion of a third party — the Texas Police Chiefs Association, which narrowed down the 27 original applicants to just five, yet a sixth candidate, favored by these councilmembers, is also being considered for the job.
But the questions remain: “Why are councilmembers pushing for their favorite candidate? Is this candidate best for the city? Why is Cook’s job now on the line?”
The timing is curious since the decision of the new police chief is expected to be made within the next few weeks. Why now? Could it be that some councilmembers hope to remove Cook in time to put in their own choice for chief?
But the council, in doing so, will go against what most of the community wishes. In fact, in a recent poll on the Cleveland Advocate’s website, the majority of those who voted said they favor bringing in a new police chief from outside the area — someone with the right qualifications for the job and without political affiliations.
Readers also should know that Cook is not the only person in the community to have felt this kind of pressure.
In fact, I have had visits from one councilmember in particular who hoped to persuade me out of doing articles because it went against this councilmember’s political candidates and viewpoints.
These efforts were in vain and the stories were published, because as I explained to this councilmember, “My readers do not need anyone to filter their news.” The conversation ended with me telling the councilmember to stick to politics and leave the running of a newspaper to me.
Not surprisingly, the councilmember no longer visits my office.
Just as I have stood up against this political pressure, I hope the residents of the city of Cleveland will make certain that all councilmembers know that there is no place for personal agendas in city business. After all, they were voted into office to look out for every resident’s best interests, not just their own.
I encourage everyone to attend this important council meeting on Tuesday. It starts at 7 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall. I hope to see you there.
It’s no surprise that Cook is coming under fire these days, particularly since the hiring process for the new police chief seems to be of interest to certain members of council who have their own favorite candidate for the chief position.
Cook, instead of giving in to this pressure, has enlisted the impartial opinion of a third party — the Texas Police Chiefs Association, which narrowed down the 27 original applicants to just five, yet a sixth candidate, favored by these councilmembers, is also being considered for the job.
But the questions remain: “Why are councilmembers pushing for their favorite candidate? Is this candidate best for the city? Why is Cook’s job now on the line?”
The timing is curious since the decision of the new police chief is expected to be made within the next few weeks. Why now? Could it be that some councilmembers hope to remove Cook in time to put in their own choice for chief?
But the council, in doing so, will go against what most of the community wishes. In fact, in a recent poll on the Cleveland Advocate’s website, the majority of those who voted said they favor bringing in a new police chief from outside the area — someone with the right qualifications for the job and without political affiliations.
Readers also should know that Cook is not the only person in the community to have felt this kind of pressure.
In fact, I have had visits from one councilmember in particular who hoped to persuade me out of doing articles because it went against this councilmember’s political candidates and viewpoints.
These efforts were in vain and the stories were published, because as I explained to this councilmember, “My readers do not need anyone to filter their news.” The conversation ended with me telling the councilmember to stick to politics and leave the running of a newspaper to me.
Not surprisingly, the councilmember no longer visits my office.
Just as I have stood up against this political pressure, I hope the residents of the city of Cleveland will make certain that all councilmembers know that there is no place for personal agendas in city business. After all, they were voted into office to look out for every resident’s best interests, not just their own.
I encourage everyone to attend this important council meeting on Tuesday. It starts at 7 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall. I hope to see you there.
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