3/23/2021 Council Workshop Recap
Last week we had a regularly scheduled Council meeting. The city’s recap of it was very clear, concise, and informative, so I chose to share that update rather than write my own. You can read that here!
Discussion Items
B. 21-0024 Recreation Center
Brief Description: Continued discussion on a Recreation Center has been requested by Councilwoman Nicole Kowalski.
My Take: We had quite a positive discussion. Lots of opinions, all of which are valid, and I felt like we made progress. I had suggested that we direct staff to create a matrix that shows what amenities rec centers typically offer next to the amenities Hudson currently offers (or will in the near future) so we can identify where Hudson is lacking. This will shape many conversations, namely, the conversation about the cost of the facility. Staff will move forward with this request.
We also discussed whether or not we want to do a formal survey on this topic, or an informal survey. We decided to wait to pursue a survey until after we complete the survey on Downtown Development, which will help Council determine a direction for the area that has come to be known as Phase 2.
C. 21-0025 Campaign Finance
Brief Description: This item has been requested by Mayor Shubert.
My Take: Mayor Shubert presented a powerpoint on Ordinance 226.01 which, among other things, limits campaign contributions to $100 per person.
Let me be clear, as a Council member, I have NOT openly stated any position on this topic yet. While I have personal views on this ordinance, my views as a Council member are shaped by the feedback I get from all of you. And until someone proposes legislation to revise or repeal this ordinance, I see no reason Council should address this ordinance at this time.
While I have taken no official position on this issue, I have openly stated that I intend to abide by this ordinance as I campaign for re-election.
Recently, one of my opponents from 2020 decided to ignore our city's campaign law, then justified this decision by comparing her actions to the Civil Rights movement, implying it was no different than Rosa Parks not giving up her seat on the bus.
I take serious issue with this line of reasoning. You cannot compare the injustices people of color have faced for decades to a local campaign finance law in any way. You cannot use Civil Rights in America as a way to further your personal agenda and get ahead. Breaking a law so you can get ahead is not an act of civil disobedience, it is just simply breaking the law.
If this candidate has an issue with this ordinance, she should present on the topic to Council and request we change the ordinance, or, challenge the law in court.
Since it is women's history month, I'd like to take a moment to honor Rosa Parks and her contributions to our country. Rosa Parks did more than just refuse to give up her seat on a bus. In addition to her work to fight segregation and racial injustice, Rosa Parks was an anti-rape activist, worked for US Representative John Conyers as a secretary and receptionist, was a recipient of the the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal among other accolades, and worked to further many causes, some of which include fair housing, the incarcerated, and education.
I am grateful to her for her contributions and her impact on America.
We did discuss other topics, as well as go over the proposed consent and legislative agenda for the upcoming meeting, but these two are the only topics I feel like I needed to provide my thoughts on this week. Again, the city does a great job with their unbiased accounts of the meeting, so if you want to learn more about the other meeting items, read about them here!
Follow my Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates!
Have questions? Want to share your thoughts with me on any of the agenda items or issues listed above? As always, I would love to have a conversation! Email me directly at nkowalski@hudson.oh.us.
