An article on July 17th is headed “No name games.” The subheading states “A convention center plaque includes the names of supporters and critics of the project.”
The article goes on to say: “Told the names of former County Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly Henderson also appear on the plaque, [former State Senator Gibson] Armstrong asked: ‘As sponsors or people who opposed it? … Unbelievable.’”
It continues “Art Morris, the Convention Center Authority board chairman, said Thursday, the board did not attempt to divide the supporters from officials who did not support the controversial project during its decade of development.
“’I think you start to run into problems when you make those judgments,’ Morris said.”
WATCHDOG: Here we have the measure of two officials and their divergent views of our democratic system.
The powerful Armstrong, then Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, as much by obfuscation and inner circle negotiations, twice brought about changes in the law by concealing special legislation in bills of a totally different nature, thus making possible the convention center project. To him government is by the wily and the powerful and he is disdainful of elected officials with opposing views.
Then there is Morris, who recognizes that the value of democracy is that there is vigorous debate, open legislation, and that those with opposing views are as essential to the successful process of governance as those who happen to prevail on an issue.
Without those with the courage to stand up against proposals they deem ill advised, we have government by at best an oligarchy, and perhaps later a dictatorship.
Armstrong’s candor in this matter tells us volumes about the man.
Sadly, the article goes on to say “Rick Gray, Lancaster’s current mayor, said he had recommended that only the names of the Convention Center Authority board members, state Rep. P. Michael Sturla and Armstrong be listed on the plaque.” It seems strange coming from a man who before his election expressed serious reservations about the project.
What a child Gib is! Art is gracious and wise
“Sadly, the article goes on to say ‘Rick Gray, Lancaster’s current mayor, said he had recommended that only the names of the Convention Center Authority board members, state Rep. P. Michael Sturla and Armstrong be listed on the plaque.’ It seems strange coming from a man who before his election expressed serious reservations about the project.”
It almost sounds like Rick Gray didn’t want his own name to be on the plaque.