Recent Ordinances & Cascade Democracy

     Item #12 on the June 12th Cascade City Council agenda should give every citizen in this democracy the heebie-jeebies. It’s been a standard for years dating back years that a new ordinance be subjected to three public readings at separate meetings, so that the community can object. People seldom do, but that’s no reason to get rid of the provision.

This is basic to democracy: the people affected, should have time to react and have some say in the matter.  It’s an integral part of the American system. Built in, like kitchen cabinets and appliances.

         But the current Council, especially Mr. Delaney and Ms. Oliphant, don’t like this idea—they seem to think they were elected king and queen. They have the final vote, but should they have the final say on every aspect of every matter? That’s oligarchy. A democracy is supposed to be fair to as many people as possible. And that requires everybody getting a hearing and action on their issues.

In late December last year (’22) the city passed a Dilapidated Building Nuisance Ordinance. I am concerned it was initially formulated and passed because of one person. Now, I am well aware of the implications of one individual’s unmaintained property on their neighbor’s, but again, this is a democracy. There is something quite disreputable about people with clout taking out after people with less money to maintain their property, but it is becoming a regular practice at the Cascade City Council.

There is another ordinance in the works that is as worrisome as these two.  Check this blog to read about it.