Tom Broderick’s viewpoint, concerning the Oak Park living wage ordinance, is inaccurate. [Do what’s right: Pass a living wage ordinance, Viewpoints, Dec. 2]
Mr. Broderick stated that the Community Relations Commission “met on Nov. 18 to discuss its first-draft proposal of a living wage ordinance for the Village of Oak Park.” The commission does not have the power or authority to write or draft an ordinance. Our job is to support the board with information and insight on the impact of a living wage ordinance. We are finalizing our findings and preparing a report for the village board.
Since February, the commission has met 11 times to discuss the living wage issue. Every meeting begins with a period when the public can make statements or bring up issues. Broderick has attended almost every meeting of the commission this year, and has used the public forum portion frequently to provide information and discuss issues. We welcomed his input and found it of value to our work.
In November, Village President David Pope used the same public forum portion of the commission meeting. He provided information and discussed issues. He did not tell the commission what to do as Broderick’s comments imply. Besides his Viewpoints comments, I have heard no criticism of Pope’s use of the public forum.
I found the president’s comments and suggestions helpful and timely. The commission’s deliberations have uncovered many issues that deserve discussion by every member of the community. Thorough and objective discussion of issues is a critical part of Oak Park’s approach to decision making. To imply that Pope should recuse himself from public discussion is unfair and unreasonable. It is also exactly the opposite of the viewpoints expressed by commission chairpersons at a public meeting with board members on Oct. 29. Commissions want more time in discussion with the board members – not less.
During his visit, Pope complimented the commission’s work to date and encouraged us to continue the effort. He helped clarify exactly what the board needed to make a living wage decision – a clear presentation of pros and cons – and discussed programs that the commission will be addressing in 2010.
As far as comments on my October resignation as chairman of the commission, Pope told the commission precisely what he had told me in a telephone conversation. That is, he wanted more time to research the resignation and asked if I would stay on as chair during his deliberations. I informed the commission of the telephone conversation and my agreement to stay on before Pope arrived at the November meeting.
Frankly, I think Mr. Broderick owes President Pope and the Community Relations Commission an apology.
John Murtagh is an Oak Park resident and chair of the village’s Community Relations Commission.
