Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Councilman Adams' Political Move?

San Angelo City Councilman Fredd Adams was arrested and booked for driving while intoxicated on November 18th.  On November 20th Fredd missed the vote on granting city employees an additional day off on New Year's Eve, a noted party night.

TIE VOTE TO CLOSE CITY OF SAN ANGELO OFFICES ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2013 TO COINCIDE WITH TOM GREEN COUNTY OFFICES NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY

Human Resources Director Lisa Marley presented background information.
Motion, to close City offices on Monday, December 31, 2012, as presented, was made by Councilmember Silvas and seconded by Councilmember Alexander. AYE: Alexander, Morrison, and Silvas. 
NAY: New, Hirschfeld, and Farmer. Motion tied 3-3, thereby rendering the issue null and void.

The minutes don't reflect the discussion, i.e. the number of holidays already given, the ability for employees to use vacation time if they want New Year's Eve off.  I looked for Lisa Marley's presentation on the City's Slideshare site, but it hasn't been uploaded.

Adams did get the item returned to Council agenda for December 4.  

Discussion and consideration of closing City of San Angelo offices on Monday, December 31, 2012 and Tuesday, January 1, 2013 to coincide with Tom Green County offices New Year’s holiday
(Requested by Councilmembers Adams and Silvas)

The discussion was remarkable in its lack of depth.  The main reason for giving the extra holiday was Councilman Adams requested it.  Was that a move to build political good will before news leaked regarding his DWI?

For a council that cut an essential program to save $139,000, it cavalierly spent $135,000.  In hindsight it reads "Help Fredd Adams."

Addiction is no laughing matter.  Fredd needs help and plenty of it.  It begins with a harsh examination of his personal accountability, then a serious treatment and follow up regimen.  I wish Councilman Adams courage and tenacity in facing the many ways addiction destroys oneself and others. 

Update 12-13-12: If Councilman Fredd Adams was driving a Mitsubishi with a broken driver side mirror this afternoon on North Bryant, this story is far from over. The driver was all over the road, swerving in erratic movements. Whoever was behind the wheel drove like they had a three martini lunch.  Should that've been Fredd Adams, the self-destruct button remains on.

No comments: