POUGHKEEPSIE – Common Council Chairman Da’Ron Wilson and Vice-chair Nathan Shook introduced a proposal to change the Poughkeepsie council’s rules at the recent meeting and Second Ward Councilman Evan Menist says the change was introduced that day and he was “blindsided” by the proposal.
The rule change would essentially prohibit the council from introducing non-binding resolutions, such as the months-long debated memorialization calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East, despite having no jurisdiction or impact on international relations. The proposed ceasefire request has no direct impact on those at war or the residents of Poughkeepsie yet the activists who sought the passage of the bill spoke tirelessly on the need to pass it at recent meetings, causing significant disruptions.
In explaining the change, Councilman Shook noted the similarity to the rule in the Dutchess County Legislature. The proposed language that Menist and Councilwoman Deichler disagreed with says, “Any memorialization shall require at least four sponsors and must have a direct impact on City of Poughkeepsie government and provide a fiscal impact statement and other supporting documentation. Shook and Wilson indicated that the proposed change would prohibit the council from being mired in a debate over a bill that takes away from city business.
Menist abstained from voting for the rule change that passed by a vote of 6-1, drawing ceasefire-seekers to erupt in booing from the audience.
“As Chairman Wilson and I have said before,” Shook said, “while the entire council mourns the loss of innocent lives and prays for lasting peace, it is time to get back to working on matters that are more directly related to the City of Poughkeepsie.” Emphasizing the importance of the change, Shook added, “this rule which has guided our Dutchess County Legislature and that this council has now adopted, will help to focus our attention on the local business that our citizens have every right to expect that we give priority to.”
