Elected officials need professional development

Our elected Yuma officials — Mayor Al Krieger and council members Paul Johnson, Cody Beeson, Bobbie Brooks, Leslie McClendon, Jerry Stuart and Edward Thomas — gave a promissory oath to support our City Charter and codes.

As a citizen of this city and taxpayer, your job is to:

• Promote public health.

• Promote and protect public safety.

• Promote and protect public welfare.

The structure and limitations of your office as elected officials is clearly stated in our charter and codes. Your responsibility is to know the contents of the city charter and codes and to make sure your actions do not compromise or violate these great documents created by previous elected officials.

Here are some suggested courses of study by all members of the Yuma City Council:

• All of you attend several workshops on understanding the charter and codes.

• Have an independent consultant who has knowledge and understanding of effective government work with all of you to learn the principles of teamwork, professional courtesy and the art of communication.

• Take an exam on the contents of the city charter and codes and share your results with other council members. Have a discussion to review the contents of the charter and codes and what laws might need to be updated, rewritten or eliminated by majority vote of the council.

What is a better use of taxpayer dollars — legal fees and investigations of city council members or professional development?

I don’t know what your destiny will be as a member of the Yuma City Council, but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy and successful are those who have sought and found how to serve the people of this great city.

Good luck! As a former elected official and retired teacher, quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intentions, sincere efforts, intelligent direction and skillful execution and knowledge of our laws. Our past is not our potential, our future for Yuma County is all of you working together.

GARY WRIGHT
Yuma