OpenCdA encourages readers to carefully and thoughtfully consider Wednesday’s editorial in the Los Angeles Times. The editorial was headlined The lesson of Bell: A watchful citizenry is still essential (I’ve highlighted important lessons to be learned in this reprint).
While OpenCdA completely agrees with the need for a watchful citizenry, that simply isn’t enough. Had it not been for the diligent news coverage by the Los Angeles Times, the magnitude and scope of the crimes might never have been known. Press curiosity encourages honesty and openness. Diligent, persistent, and penetrating press reporting discourages corruption.
We in Coeur d’Alene have often heard some of our own city councilmen, most often outgoing Councilman Deanna Goodlander, tell us that they don’t need to pay attention to the details and neither do we. “Trust the City Staff.”
In Bell, the trusted City Staff was City Administrator Robert Rizzo and Assistant City Administrator Angela Spaccia. Another former member of the trusted Bell City Staff, the City Clerk, testified that she falsified public records when directed. And five of the six City Councilmen who trusted them so blindly have now been convicted of some crimes and may face retrial on other charges as well.
For us in Coeur d’Alene, The Lesson of Bell ought to be to unquestioningly trust no one at City Hall. We private citizens need to pay attention. Paying attention won’t be easy because our local and regional news media appear to be intentionally not paying attention. But we have to try.
I absolutely agree.
I am also sorry to read about the passing of our Kootenai County Clerk, Cliff Hayes. His last days were undoubtedly served with integrity and transparency.
Comment by Stebbijo — December 12, 2013 @ 5:44 pm
Stebbijo,
All of Cliff Hayes’ days in public service were served with integrity and commitment.
Comment by Bill — December 13, 2013 @ 7:46 am
I never met Cliff Hayes but it is obvious that he was a man of great honesty and integrity who served the citizens of Post Falls and Kootenai County with great distinction.
Comment by up river — December 13, 2013 @ 8:16 am
Yes, better said, Bill – ALL of his days. I had the pleasure of meeting him during the election recall, he came out to greet me and just shook his head. I knew exactly what he was thinking. Very nice guy. Definitely, our loss.
Comment by Stebbijo — December 13, 2013 @ 9:51 am