Petitions are circulating. The talk of a “dictatorship” in the city of Washington has reached other counties. People are wondering why a convicted felon who served time for fraud is right in the middle of the mayor’s proposed hotel deal. The power play is expected to be in full vigor at tomorrow’s City Council “retreat” at The Pope Center.

Citizens were witness to the intoxication by power of council members as they voted to take steps toward a major change in city government earlier this month. It happened at the regular meeting of the City Council on January 11. Further steps are planned for the “retreat,” and there could likely be action taken on whether the city will obligate some $9 million on a hotel deal that is no more than tenuous.

However, as of today, all that is just talk. It is no more than street rumor and no one really knows what will or won’t happen when the councilmen assemble tomorrow to discuss and act. Plenty of times in the past there has been talk of expected shenanigans by the Council which never materialized. This “retreat” might play out the same way.

It is interesting to note that the Council, for some reason, feels it is necessary to “retreat” in order to handle the nitty gritty details of some of its proposals. It raises further questions as to why the “retreat” is scheduled during regular business hours when many citizens cannot attend and when the councilmen themselves must be excused from their own jobs.

Yes, the “retreat” is open to the public but its inconvenience, whether intentional or not, makes it much less available for public scrutiny and therefore a much bigger opportunity for those expected shenanigans. It is when people aren’t looking that selfish and egotistical politicians slip their projects and policies into being – one small step at a time.

It has been proven many times before that a large turnout will keep the Washington City Council on its best behavior. That’s what must happen tomorrow. A large turnout of concerned and informed citizens must insure that any actions taken represent the will of the people and not the whims of a few.

Again, the two main issues up for discussion at tomorrow’s “retreat” are the proposed move to a “strong mayor” type of government for the city of Washington, and the proposed backing of the construction of a hotel which could obligate as much as $9 million in city funds.

There must be an understanding of the motivations driving such proposals. Why does the mayor need appointment and veto power – is the current system not working? Why does the city need to be in the hotel business – without the city’s money would the business venture succeed anyway?

It’s easy to see where the payoffs are for a few of the principle players in these projects. It’s not so easy to see how the majority of the city’s people will benefit.

The “retreat” begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow, January 29, at The Pope Center. If you care about the city’s future, attendance is mandatory.