Rex the King, oh and Adam Stout Too

Okay, so I read about the reappointment of Adam Stout to the City Council. This was no surprise. I think Adam is only guilty of bad timing and not really knowing how people are naturally suspicious of anything in politics, especially the actions of a politician. To his defense, I believe that he is just a guy who is going to school to basically become a City Manager some day. His graduate degree will be in Public Policy or something like that. He is on City Council for his resume, and some to give back to the community. But he has to be thinking of his family first, so he needs to be looking at the best route to getting a job in Government. Stepping down from Council was a natural step, especially to apply for a job that would look great on his resume, such as the Community Development Promoter person, or whatever it was. It was a chance to get a good job in government. Council is volunteer. So, I can't ding him for wanting to get back on Council, so that he could continue to build his resume, and give back to the community.

Again though, the whole thing on the surface looked awful. When the paper reported that Adam wanted to get back on the Council should he not get the job, just sounded bad. He should have just resigned and left it at that. I think of when Benfield had to step down as Council President just to run for mayor. She didn't say that she hoped that if she didn't become mayor that she would get re-appointed to Council. Look at the federal level too, if you want to run for president. You take your chances.

The thing that really bothers me about this whole thing is good ole Rex Erickson. It is no surprise that he had to get worked up and bark loudly at any who oppose him. Why does he get to intimidate the citizens while he sits on his throne. Does he really believe that he is all powerful and invincible. And worst of all, does he really think he speaks for the people? A citizen gets up and speaks his mind and Rex tears into him. Rex is wrong when he thinks just because someone or some group is saying things that hurt him or the Council he can strike back in such a manner. No, he is an elected official, a local celebrity, if you will. Legally he less protected and able to come under more scrutiny and criticism, publicly, than the average Joe. He needs to sit back and take the hits from "his" constituents. If they want to vent, then so be it. He is not a tyrant, no matter how hard he wants to be. He wanted the limelight, sorry it gets too hot sometimes. He needs to control his temper. He and his boy have horrible tempers.

And what is this conspiracy junk? Rex is accusing the citizen of being part of some small group causing trouble in town. Rex is becoming paranoid. Maybe he is finally realizing that this town is on to him and his unacceptable behaviour. What he should be thinking is that maybe this small "group" is really a much larger group of just average citizens who are no longer going to put up with the good ole boys. Maybe Rex will realize this at the next election. Maybe, just maybe, the plebs will dethrone him. I told you that I would talk more about Rex the King in my future blog entries.

Positive note: It is great to see people coming out to Council meetings and expressing their points of view. We need more community activists. Gone should be the day of apathy in Rexburg citizens towards the politicians and the political process.