Bill would make council members resign to run for other office

Rev. Burgess is making himself a real outcast in council now. Way to go.

I like the spirit of this bill. But, a few points. First, this bill is most needed at present within the Pgh Public School's BOARD. That is where I have pushed for it for the longest time. We don't want the volunteer, elected board positions to turn into opportunities to step upon the backs of the students for personal gain so that runs for other office can be launched from the school board. That is a long-standing suggestion of mine that is less of a factor in 2011 than it has been in the past. But still, the suggestion holds.

Furthermore, in Allegheny County Council where such a law exists, it is not really followed, as per PA Senator Wayne Fontana. He said he was going to run for office while on council and only quit council after he voted as he wanted in some tight decisions. Then he quit. The P-G editorial flamed him for breaking the rules of the county charter too. So, some of these political jerks are too big for their deeds to follow the established mandates (i.e., Wayne Fontana) -- hence -- the policy needs to be iron clad and with teeth should they go their own way. Guillotines would provide ample satisfaction and fear.

Bill would make council members resign to run for other office
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh City Councilman Ricky Burgess today proposed legislation that would require City Council members to resign if they wanted to campaign for another office.

Mr. Burgess said the legislation, which he's entitled "Resign to Run," is designed to ensure city officials focus on the city's business, not the next political opportunity.

"The public should not pay for the ambitions of elected officials, he said.

Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/11011/1117138-100.stm#ixzz1Ak6EgoTN