Two opposing sentiments intersected at Monday night’s City Council meeting in the midst of selecting new appointees for seven different city commissions.
City Clerk Martin Cole made what may have been the most stirring announcement of the meeting as the Council prepared to choose two members for the Disability Advisory Committee.
“Ms. Catherine Yanda has withdrawn her application.”
The always self-effacing Ms. Yanda has been one of my favorite persons in the community since we met a few years ago. Shortly, I intend to show you why.
She was one of five applicants for the two seats whose latest terms had just expired.
Most commonly, when appointees withdraw before the City Council votes, it is either for reasons of family or work.
Not with Ms. Yanda.
Noting that Dr. Jay Shery and Robin Tenensapf have been pillars of the Disability Committee for years — Dr. Shery has logged a decade, the last six as Chair — Ms. Yanda pulled her bid on the modest grounds that their credentials dwarfed hers.
There is no question the two incumbents are deeply committed servants.
Still, Ms. Yanda’s classy gesture merits public notice and commendation.
That would have seemed to clinch re-election for the incumbents.
After Mayor Chris Armenta called for a vote, Councilman Andy Weissman posed a legal question for City Hall staffers:
“The Disability Advisory Committee does not have term limits. Is that correct? Is there a philosophical reason why not?”
Assured that term limits do not exist and that no reason was given at the time of formation, Mr. Weissman proceeded:
“I raised the question because we obviously have interest from the community in serving on the Disability Committee. It is a well-earned right on the part of incumbents, who are performing ably and are qualified, to seek re-election.
“I would like to give others who are interested a right to participate.
“Having term limits, in the long run, gives more people an opportunity to serve.”
Mr. Weissman suggested the term limits question — in place for the Council for almost 20 years — be considered for a future agenda, and so it shall be.
When you look into the eyes of the principals and understand the strong commitment they have made to the committee, and understand the cavity that would be created in their lives of service if they were not selected, it can be heartbreaking.
I favor Mr. Weissman’s notion more in theory than in reality.
What do you think?
