NorthIowaToday.com

Founded in 2010

News & Entertainment for Mason City, Clear Lake & the Entire North Iowa Region

Supervisor Dougherty refuses to answer citizen questions

Cerro Gordo County Supervisor Phil Dougherty laughs as NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt asks for 10 minutes of Dougherty’s time to answer questions about Cerro Gordo County.

Editorial by Matt Marquardt –

Something is amiss with the Cerro Gordo County Supervisors.

In my experience of attending meetings for the past two years, there seems to be a lot of issues decided before the meetings take place.  There is rarely, if ever, a 2-1 vote.  There is no background on agenda items furnished to the citizens; in fact, this panel has refused to provide this information unless you “come by the office” in person after the meetings (See video at bottom of page).  Meetings are re-scheduled at the last minute or with barely any notice to a different day.  You will routinely see a Globe Gazette reporter in the supervisors’ office on Tuesday mornings prior to meetings laughing at jokes.

The word on the street is that long-time Supervisor Jay Urdahl is running the show.  If you watch enough Supervisor meetings, you will see Phil Dougherty while seated at Supervisor meetings look down the row to get the nod from Jay Urdahl before making a motion.

As Supervisors Urdahl and Dougherty each face a challenger in this November’s election, I felt the need to arrange a basic question and answer session of about 10 minutes so that the differences between the candidates could be seen, heard and articulated for voters.  I do believe that is the democratic way and nothing out of the ordinary.  Unless I am missing something, candidates should expect this during an election.

Both challengers readily agreed to take part; Chris Watts (running against Dougherty) and Kyle Klinksiek (running against Urdahl) tell me that they are prepared to come to the courthouse any day during working hours of the Supervisors to spend 10 minutes and answer basic questions.

However, my source indicated to me that Phil Dougherty was advised by Jay Urdahl to “ignore” my request.

Easier said than done.

Today, just by happenstance, Dougherty was at the Labor Day Picnic at Georgia Hanford Park where he gave an uncharacteristic rah-rah speech.

As Dougherty walked past me right afterwards,  I asked him if he had seen my request for 10 minutes of his time.

“Yes, yes” he said.

“Are we going to do that?” I asked.

“Probably not,” Dougherty answered.

“Why not?” I asked.  “I am a citizen, I pay your wages.  I live in your district.”

“We’ll talk about it sometime,” he said.

“We’ll talk about it now,” I offered.  “Can I get 10 minutes of your time, someday, at the courthouse?”

“We’ll see,” Dougherty finally said.

Dougherty had no explanation for his refusal to spend 10 minutes with a citizen, me, and answer questions about Cerro Gordo County.  I have no idea what he fears, or if he has something to hide, but he would simply face the same questions his opponent would face.  I would think an elected official owes a citizen at least 10 minutes.  He is welcome to invite Sheriff Pals and Jay Urdahl if it makes him feel better.

“I heard Jay told you not to answer my email,” I said to Dougherty.

“Well, no, that was a desic…. I’m not gonna talk on that ….” Dougherty said.

“I’ll ask you about it tomorrow, Phil,” I offered.

See you Tuesday morning at 9:45 AM at the courthouse.

Elected official Phil Dougherty refuses NIT interview

httpv://youtu.be/WcCm3P7xJE0

2011: Supervisors refuse to provide background information on agenda items to the public (See 8:05 mark in video)

httpv://youtu.be/X4PEG_73xis

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

41 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Even more news:

Watercooler
Copyright 2024 – Internet Marketing Pros. of Iowa, Inc.
41
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x