Did the Voters Mandate Change? And Did the Voters Get Change?

I deliberately attended the city council meeting last night. As I watched the meeting I made what I would call a major observation. The tenor of the Mayor, Dave Dinnel. Mr. Dinnel was a breath of fresh air as he attempted to gain consensus with the counsel instead of being disruptive and rude.

He listened, even to his opponents. The newspaper he did not hesitate to name as the official newspaper despite the fact thousands of dollars might be saved by looking to alternatives. Instead he named them without hesitation. The Independent has been cruel with him in the past.

He was kind to the City Clerk, even though the city clerk could not keep accurate minutes again. The city clerk has been close to Blair Johnson during his tenure.

He was kind to Mr. Johnson himself. Even though, when Mr. Johnson treated Mr. Dinnel with disrespect, Mr. Dinnel listens to both sides and makes decisions without interruption.

I am convinced that Mr. Dinnel is not vindicative and listens to both sides.

In fact, when a citizen spoke, Mr. Dinnel praised her for a good idea instead of interrupting her and saying, we have heard enough from you.

The voters were heard at least from this regard, government need not be rude in making decisions.

I will address other issues later, but it is clear the tenor of the meetings have changed and we now have a Mayor who will listen to all.