Charter shows that Commission CAN and SHOULD conduct its own investigation

"Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations...," this inclusive phrase written into the Lake Worth charter (ARTICLE III Section 6, paragraph b) was written to protect the public against "abuse of power" issues concerning a city manager. It provides for direct commission involvement to override a city manager who may try to silence or cover up something. This section authorizes the commission to "inquire" or "investigate" any issue even ones that traditionally are the sole domain of the city manager. The only problem is, will the commission invoke its right in behalf of the people to allow the other half of the story to be articulated... or not.

The city manager released a report in which she made unsubstantiated claims directed at smearing and discrediting employees and then released that information only to a select group... not making it available to the public or to the accused individuals who simply tried to warn the public of a security threat to the main frame power grid computer.

In this case, it turns out to be a number of employees (with more on the way) who have been fired for wanting to correct a security issue by conducting an investigation. Utility management declared there was no issue and forbid anyone to speak of it.

Meanwhile the commission has remained silent as their own staff has maligned these employees. Not one commissioner has called any of these employees who put their jobs on the line to tell them the truth. This is not due diligence when those entrusted with power refuse to listen to the other side of the story. So perhaps after reading this section of the charter... they will renew their obligation to seek the Truth they've been given the authority to seek. Let's hope they will act in good faith toward that goal and conduct a public inquiry so everyone, not just the privileged few can have access to the Truth.

Article III Sec. 6. Prohibitions.

(a) Appointment and removals. Neither the city commission nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or removal of any city administrative officers or employees whom the city manager or any of his subordinates are empowered to appoint, but the city commissioners may express their views and fully and freely discuss with the city manager anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees.

(b) Interference with administration. Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations, the city commission or its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager, and neither the city commission nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee either publicly or privately. Nothing in the foregoing is to be construed to prohibit individual members of the city commission from closely scrutinizing by questions and personal observation, all aspects of city government operations so as to obtain independent information to assist the members in the formulation of sound policies to be considered by the city commission. It is the express intent of this charter, however, that recommendations for improvement in city government operations by individual commissioners be made to and through the city manager, so that the manager may coordinate efforts of all city departments to achieve the greatest possible savings through the most efficient and sound means available.

(c) Holding other office. No present or former elected city official shall hold any compensated appointive city office or employment until one year after the expiration of the term for which he was elected.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by William Coakley for Mayor