Dearth of Applause for Mitch Johnson DEAFENING!
Posted in Greensboro City Council
Nov. 21, 2007 at 11:46
by BrendaBee
Up until this early evening this has been a normal, regular, nothing special day. And then I decided to tune in the city council meeting on Channel 13. Good idea because the devilette who habitually sits on my shoulder got her biggest treat of this week so far. So good in fact, I can not think of much that could top it!The first item on the agenda was to vote for or against the raise in salary to City Manager Mitchell Johnson. The City Council had decided to give him this raise in a closed session just prior to the open meeting.
First to speak long and lovingly of her relationship with and admiration for Mitchell Johnson was the unelected City Attorney Linda Johnson, who concluded her praise by assuring us all that this raise had her full approval.
Next came the fulsome and hearty praise from Mayor Happy who pointed out that just a mere three months after taking on the job of city manager Mitch Johnson was called upon to cope with having the Police Chief resign. For any who didn't know the facts of the matter one would be led to believe that the Police Chief was a dastardly fellow who deliberately resigned his job to make life difficult for Mitchell Johnson.
Yvonne Johnson, mayor elect, made her few remarks that were in Yvonne's usual manner and quite unmemorable.
Goldie Wells enthused. Mike Barber did as he regularly does and pointed out that Greensboro city officials are among the highest paid in the state.
Sandy "Mitch Mouthpiece who lost her election" Carmany told one and all how hard it is to do the right thing and stand against all opponents while doing it. But, Mitch Johnson as a man of honor stood firm for right.
The vote was taken and Mitch Johnson was awarded a 3% raise by the Greensboro City Council operating on behalf of the citizens of Greensboro, only 55% of whom gave this city government their vote of approval. The vote was a surprising 6 for to 2 against (T.D B-S wasn't in attendance). Surprising because Mike 8 to 1 Barber is normally the only dissenting vote. Tonight Mike was joined in the nay column by Sandra Anderson-Groat.
Here is the good part people. Are you ready for this?
One person clapping for all they were worth
loud and alone
was heard for a count of four
and then there were
a few scattered and quietly hesitant applause
heard from around the room.
I smiled and ran in and informed Lew of the latest joke on the city council, and then went back to continue to watch the proceedings as I was sure the audience must be a hostile one to have given Mitch the old snub like that. I expected this to be a fire sparking final meeting for this council. As it turned out it wasn't at all a hostile Mitch hating audience, but rather one made up primarily of feel good about ourselves and Greensboro people who were graduating from a non credit course on city government developed to spread the good word about Greensboro to its residents. The fact that these people found little or nothing to applaud about Mitch Johnson's performance of his duties or his raise was, and is, especially telling. I hope the new council was listening. BB
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Nov. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Was a very disappointing meeting in at least several respects, Brenda. Let's hope the new team is an improvement. I found last night to be fairly sleazy.Joe Guarino
Posted by Anonymous
Nov. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Yes, Joe last night was sleazy. The above was the one moment of absolute hilarity for that Devil-ette who sits on my shoulder however and I savored it for most of the evening. You know how i love a good joke and especially a really hard belly laugh. Well, this gave it to me. After that it was of course all down hill. How in the world can a city come to this? How in the world do we climb out of this muck? I sure hope we few bloggers are able to pull if off because it doesn't seem like anything or anyone else is willing to help. BBPosted by BrendaFayBowers
