Tuckahoe Village Departments

TUCKAHOE TALK
With Mayor John Fitzpatrick

Politics

November, 2007

At a recent Village Board meeting the word "politics" emerged. Some may not find this hard to believe since it is a meeting of the government. However, apparently there are a few who believe that government and politics should be separate. This quandary occurred during the public forum when one resident took offense to another commenting on the differences between my administration and the prior.

Before we get to the word "politics", I think it is important for those readers who are unable to attend or watch Tuckahoe Village Board meetings to understand the public's opportunities to address the board. There are now two. One of the first things changed when I became Mayor was instituting a "First Opportunity" to address the board on agenda items. In the past, the public had absolutely no chance to voice their opinion on an agenda item until the Board had already voted on it. I believe this change in structure has made it easier for the residents to participate in their government. Then, when all the evening's voting and reports are concluded, the public has a second opportunity to address the Village Board. In regards to this opportunity my position is simple — the public can speak on any issue they choose. This means that if a resident decides to inform us of their latest colonoscopy, it is his or her prerogative. (Perhaps there is the hope of raising the awareness of colon cancer, maybe they just want to relay the uncomfortable nature of this procedure, or maybe they have no one else to tell). I use this extreme example to illustrate exactly how broad the term "any issue" goes.

The public was recently treated to a board meeting where a woman screamed that another resident's comments were politically motivated. She further stated that politics has no place at the microphone. While some may not find it very difficult to deem whose motives are political, it is plainly undemocratic to arbitrarily choose who can speak and on what subject. I believe those most willing to label comments as political often are merely attempting to quiet their critics. When I was asked the question, "What is politics?" at the Mayoral debate, I replied "Two men and one loaf of bread." You see my belief is that politics is simply any struggle between opposing interests. Webster's defines the word "politics" three ways: a. the art or science of government. b. The art or science concerned with guiding or influencing government policy. c. The art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government. All three of these formal definitions clearly have government and politics intertwined. But must a definition come from a book? Many subscribe to their own variation. On occasion, the public is asked to accept someone's personal definition of a word. Take for example President Clinton's definition of "sexual relations", and more recently, redefining the word "torture". The attempt is to have us accept their definition in order to sway our opinion. Alas the very nature of politics. My position here is not to categorize one definition of the word "politics" as exclusive, but they are all the business of government.

A belief that no political motivations should occur at the microphone during the Village Board meeting is naïve. Government and politics are inseparable. By whose viewpoint would we deem comments political? Since I wouldn't attempt to curb those who disagree with my leadership by claiming it is political, I also won't ever try to silence those residents that enjoy my leadership. This is merely censorship. Those who would perpetuate a climate that claims all counterpoints are political are usually seen for what they are — afraid of criticism and ill suited for political office. More opportunity for the public to speak and view the process of government will inevitably result in more opinions voiced on both sides of positions. This may be unpleasant for some who prefer things neat and tidy. However, freedom of expression requires us to allow even those with whom we would spend our entire lives disagreeing, a chance to speak. The job of Mayor requires one to govern without bias; those who agree with my positions and those who criticize are each allotted time to speak. During my time as Mayor all residents are encouraged to voice their opinion.

Finally these are the simple ground rules for our meetings.

1. At the microphone state your name and address for the record.
2. Try and be brief.
3. Please be decent.
4. While in the audience no threatening or fighting other residents.