The “Odyspin Virus” – Part 1 – Silence the public
In the perfect illustration of “much ado about nothing,” the Branson Board of Aldermen passed the “Purvis Ain’t No Alcohol Here Resolution,” at their
Repeatedly, as speakers tried to voice their concerns, either in support or non support of the Resolution they were attacked by the infamous “Odyspin Virus.”In its primary stage, the virus manifests itself primarily through the actions of the City Attorney, Daniel Wichmer as he continually interrupts citizens trying to express themselves to their elected leaders at public meetings.
The tape of the meeting will show that the Mayor stated words to the effect, “Does anyone in our audience have any comments?”There were no conditions placed on the offer to speak either in the Mayors invitation or in the Agenda.Yet, not too far into his presentation the Ole Seagull, like those who had gone before him, was interrupted by Wichmer, who had not either been given the “floor” or been recognized by the Mayor prior to his interruption. As the Ole Seagull was trying to point out that he was in fact on topic he asked Wichmer, “Why don’t you just let the people speak uninterrupted?”
At that point the “Odyspin Virus” went into its potent secondary phase, after which it is named, the ever present “Odyspin.” City Administrator Terry Dody, who like Wichmer before him, had not been given the floor or been recognized by the Mayor, interrupted the proceedings.Dodys “spin” was that it was not an issue of not wanting people to speak but rather the City Attorney doing his job and enforcing the rules of the City Council which they could change if they wanted to.
The “Branson Spinmiester” falls short on this one however.The tape of the proceeding will show that the Ole Seagull, who is not exactly “the vestal virgin” when it comes to dealing with the “Odyspin Virus,” was well within the City Councils rules when Wichmer had interrupted him, as were a number of other people that he interrupted throughout the evening.
Also, it was kind of neat the way Dody passed the buck to the Aldermen.One can only wonder if it’s a precursor of things to come if the Convention Center fails.Even more important and telling however, is the fact that Wichmer didn’t enforce the same “rules of order” on Dody that he attempted to enforce on everyone else.
Now there’s a man that knows who “butters his bread.” It evidently isn’t the Mayor or the Board of Aldermen.Has the “Odyspin Virus” so infected our City Council and Mayor that they will sit there like “See Nothing, Hear Nothing, and Do Nothing” while those they serve are treated in such a manner?Don’t they want the public to feel free to stand up and speak to them?To an Ole Seagull the answer seems clear and it’s not a pretty picture, but the picture really turns ugly if the “Odyspin Virus” is infecting other aspects of City government.
Next Week”The “Odyspin Virus” – Part 2 – Liquor regulation in Branson is what “Odyspin” dictates regardless of what the law says it is.
