Even Bunny knows: It just takes 3

Here’s a story from years gone by with a lesson that still resonates.

Got a call one day in the newsroom from someone who said a commissioner was going to push for the county administrator’s firing at the next meeting.

I called that commissioner, who acknowledged yes, that was his plan. I then went about calling other commissioners to get their views on the matter.

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Four commissioners were contacted. One agreed with the first commissioner. Two others did not. I couldn’t reach the fifth commissioner.

Still, I had a pretty good story. Two commissioners were ready to fire the administrator, who was somewhat of a controversial fellow.

I told the editor about the story. We had an, um, discussion on where the story should be placed. I argued that it should headline the next day’s newspaper. He didn’t see it that way.

“You have two commissioners,” he said. “Nothing there.”

I was incredulous. “Two commissioners?” I said. “It only takes THREE!”

The following Tuesday, guess what happened? The administrator resigned moments before he was about to get fired.

It only takes three.

You know, I mention this a lot. How the job of a county commissioner is to get two votes. I mean, commissioners do a lot of stuff, attend meetings, visit with citizens, are on other important boards, that kind of thing.

Their actual JOB is to attend County Commission meetings and vote. The rest of that stuff may help a well-rounded commissioner, and we should encourage that. But it’s not their job. Their job is to cast votes on policy. 

This is an issue that drives commissioners nuts, especially the busy ones. They’ll point to this, that, and the other thing they’re doing for the citizens of Citrus County. That’s all great; however, citizens don’t hold commissioners accountable for their role on the MPO board.

Monday’s blog detailed some of the work realities of a county commissioner. One of the most significant skills is knowing how to legislate on a five-member board.

Former Commissioner Ron Kitchen Jr. was the most skilled politician I’ve ever seen. Meaning, he knew exactly how to work the room. Kitchen lost a few important votes, and when he did, gosh he made such a fuss. The guy hated to lose.

The chairman rarely makes a motion — unless it’s in his/her best interest to do so. The chair runs the meeting; he/she has the gavel. While the chair would normally open the floor to other commissioners on important topics, the really good chairs aren’t shy about jumping out with a motion before anyone has a chance to say a thing.

While that tends to drive their colleagues nuts, it’s all fair. And extremely smart. Especially on a contentious issue that divided the board. Make a motion, get a second, and force a vote. The commissioner wins the battle by getting his/her colleagues on the record.

Sometimes, commissioners hold back the motion. They have an idea, toss it around some, realize there’s no majority support, and simply slink away with no vote.

I’m not a big fan of that approach. If a commissioner announces that he/she is bringing up a matter for a vote, he/she should make a motion and see where it goes. If there’s no second, there’s no vote. At least it's then on the record. 

I’m fascinated by our current board. It’s no secret that this board is struggling to find its footing, that one commissioner in particular is a lightning rod for controversy, and there is very little cohesion. Practically none. Each of the five could be the swing vote on any particular issue.

They’re not all rowing in the same direction. That leaves citizens perplexed and wondering why commissioners can’t seem to figure it out.

Commissioners have to find some direction among themselves, and that can be difficult to watch. I’m joking, but maybe the Sunshine Law needs an exemption where commissioners can go behind closed doors and shout it out.

It only takes three. That's a lesson I've never forgotten. Its significance can't be overstated on a board, that in some respects, is still finding its way. We’ll keep an eye on all five today.

— About the photo: There’s only so many ways to illustrate a County Commission blog. A photo of Bunny on the state trail isn’t one of them. Except today.

Have an awesome Tuesday, friends.

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