Outgoing Councilman: Council Run By Business

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Several outgoing Janesville city councilmen gave their farewell speeches on live public access cable Monday night during a meeting in the Janesville council chambers. The three councilmen, Greg Addie, Tom Wellnitz and Tom Brien each received a plaque and gifts honoring their public service. Afterwards, they each offered their perspective on both the good and bad times they had while serving their constituents. By far though, Tom Brien offered a near historical perspective of his time on the council beginning way back in 1991.

Obviously sitting in comfortable surroundings with his son and grandchildren, Brien spoke casually and reminiscently about his experience working with the city for the past 16 years. But I really began paying attention when he confirmed one of my own positions regarding the relationship between city hall and business.

"The council is was run pretty much by the business community" -- Tom Brien 4-9-07 Note: Upon further review, Brien spoke in the past tense, however, his observation is very relevant today.

YIKES!! I almost swallowed my tongue! This - coming from a councilman of 16 years. Even I didn't expect that one. But Brien continued on when he elaborated on how his introduction to Forward Janesville, the city's chamber of commerce, got off on the wrong foot because one of their mission statements was to recruit candidates for public office.

His observation combined with the Gazette's media monopoly activities fits like a finely cut scrollsawed puzzle that people refuse to connect today. While many Janesville residents wallow away in denial, Tom Brien just comes right out with it.

On the topic of the newly elected inbound council, Brien felt the next council will be the most representative of the city that he has seen in his years on the council. Again, that speaks volumes about how woefully inadequate at-large city council elections are. Large neighborhoods on the west and south sides have had no representation for years and still won't even with the new council.

I applaud Brien for his service and thank him for offering these views during his farewell speech. Three cheers and a hat-tip.

I would not doubt if they edit Brien's full farewell statement when they broadcast this council session again on JA-12. Watch for it!