CHC 1979-05-22 PH - Laserfiche WebLink

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I 'm speaking in favor of direct representation. That is, an election from apportioned districts for the county council . Not county wide or at-large. However, reflecting on Kona, it may be that given the population concentration that there may be some consideration given to possibly a Kailua-Kohala division for district representation and then something that reflects more in the Mauka towards Ka' u side so that it may not be given the population concentration and it ' s diverseness to be able to follow the traditional districts. Also, there should be a provision for temporary disability in the event of a temporary disability of a council- man or for that matter, of any; elected official including the mayor. To limit, not only the council, in the number of years they can serve but also to limit the ' mayor. They both should be limited to two four-year terms. Or, if the terms are less , to a total of eight consecutive years. And definitely to stagger the terms Of the council so that there is always a carry over ability to go on. I am also in favor on independent legal counsel for the county council and not supervision from the corporation counsel, nor the corporation counsel having the final word over the legal opinion of the counsel provided for the county council . That would defeat the whole purpose. There has been , for long and for many years, been a conflict of interests there with the corporation counsel representing both the administration and the council at the same time. ObViously, that is an untenable and impossible position. Particularly, when they take different versions and views. Obviously, any attorney is supposed to represent those for whom he works and if you have two different sets of views and you have two different positions that becomes an impossible position. So that if an indepenel.enf _counsel ,` as I have heard suggested is to be put in the charter for the county council it would be totally defeating if you were - to then say, ah, but the final word comes from corp counsel . As far as fiscal responsibility, I think the area that there is 'a great deal of concern and was shown in the last budget, was on the issuance of bonds. These are very sizable debts and expenditures that go on and encumber the citizens for many years. _I think it is in this 'area 'of large capital expenditures raised by bond revenue that the citizens 'should have a direct vote on all bond issues. As to the planning process and all of those who are involved in it, the policies, I think that we do have to recognize that we need a balance 'in , planning. That we need a balance to provide for the future. ' That despite the feeling of immediate goals-that resources are finite. That life is finite. Particularly in the islands, land is very limited. That there must be some preservation of agriculture, of fishing', 'of open Space. -31-