Last week, I handed in my resignation to Ms. Darlene Mealy (NYC council member of the 41st District). I assume that most of you are aware that I have been working with her since December -as the part time Communications Director. Hopefully, my last day in this role will be on the 26th of March (as per my resignation letter).
The main reasons I have chosen to go this route are what necessitate this column. I want to make it clear that this is my choice -and mine only. I was not forced to walk the plant, nor given any subtle shoves out the door. I have given her enough notice (4 weeks) so that she can hire someone to replace me without her small staff being strained, stressed and/or stretched.
As far as I read it, I can stay on with the councilwoman, once I accept the rules and regulations around public blogging that she handed to me from the City Council’s Office of the General Counsel. I have chosen not to do that, despite many friends and relatives telling me to stay on. They all think that I can offer so much more than I have so far.
These are the rules:
Blogging- Forbidden from Council Computers. Staff members may not use the Council’s office and technology resources to engage in blogging activities regarding Council matters, including posting a comment or response on a blog, unless it is done by Council staff member in his or her official capacity with the authorization of the Council or supervising council member. (This prohibition does not affect the Council’s ability to communicate in any way it sees fit).
Blogging and Visiting Social Networking Sites on Your own time and Equipment. This policy does not, as a general matter cover private blogging on personal matters or personal social networking activity, which are subject to the AUP. Council staff may engage in blogging or social networking on their own time, using their own equipment and resources (“private blogging” or “private networking”). However, this policy prohibits blogging or use of social networking sites by Council staff, even when the staff is not using Council equipment or resources, if it impugns the reputation of the Council, its members or its staff; disrupts the business of the Council; violates the Council’s Policy against Discrimination and Harassment; or violates any Federal, State or City law or regulation.
The only other thing I will add to this column is the fact that the letter in which these rules were outlined, does link my post on Room Eight New York Politics, about “Don Quixote” Charles Barron (go read it).
Look, the New York City Council has every right to lay down rules around blogging; just as I have every right to leave its employ because I may choose not to adhere. Personally, I just don’t want to be handcuffed when I write: that’s all. I believe that I limit myself enough already. Also, let me state that all this has very little to do with Ms. Mealy; she was nice enough (and courageous too) to hire me in the first place. I thank her for the opportunity to observe the inner workings of the council, some council committees, her office (and other electeds on all three levels of government/ their staff and offices) up close. I just know that one day soon enough, I will write something that will cause her to be placed in an uncomfortable spot with the mayor, speaker, or one of her fellow electeds (at any of the 3 levels of government); and before this happens -which would inevitably lead to a confrontation between us- I rather get off the bus now.
Stay tuned-in folks; but as far as I am concerned this matter is closed.
SIDEBAR: If Charles “Chucky Bee” Barron (or one of his minions) was behind all this -via some type of formal or informal complaint- then let me openly tell him I am always ready, willing and available to meet him in a boxing ring, any day or night once he stops being a punk. If he refuses to fight intellectually, then I can accommodate him physically in some type of regulated formal setting (of course). Don’t hide to do things that hurt me (as you have done many times in the past); be as open as I am in your critiques and actions. I don’t have to hear from people about how angry you (and your wife) are at me; you guys see me many times over the by and by: so tell me to my face.
I stand by my observation that Charles Barron is the biggest disappointment in NYC politics and nothing short of a media-hounding megalomaniac. He is a fraud. It’s not about serving the people: it’s about serving his humongous ego. His wife is nothing but a passenger in her limited role as assemblywoman. Between them they no offer no new ideas for legislation or public policy. They offer no new ideas (or programs) for addressing the major concerns of people of color (or all Americans for that matter); they just use people for their self- serving aims. I am just outing them: that’s all. They used me many times, but they will never use me again -nor anyone I can influence.
Some people are saying that the Barrons plan to switch seats when Charles is term-limited; it seems feasible. I could only hope that voters see through this. Some people also say that by being his main critic on the blogs, one of these days, he or some (one) of his thugs will physically attack me. To that I say this: THE TRUTH WILL SET ME FREE (ALWAYS). I stand by what I write.
FIN.