HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.138 2020-2022 P/counci
COMM MI
From: Nancy Carr Smith
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2021 12:55 PM
To: Council Testimony; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; David, Maile; Lee Loy, Sue; Richards, Tim; Kimball,
Heather; Chung, Aaron; Inaba, Holeka; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Villegas, Rebecca
Subject: Testimony in support of Zendo Kern's confirmation as PlanningdirC
LERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Aloha Chair David, Planning Chair Kierkiewicz, and Councilmembers, Time IVO p.n'. By
Date_ FEB0 1 2021
I am testifying on behalf of myself, and once again share my support for the confirmation o cridu C.n dS Plaiuring Director. I
am mostly speaking to those of you who have shown opposition during the previous meetings.
It's been interesting watching you folks deliberate over this. It is disheartening to see the division. It makes me sad to see some
of you personally attack the appointee,and sometimes it seems as though
you are creating issues out of nothing,for the sake of opposition.That's when it becomes personal and I don't think that is
what your job is. I doubt that this is what your constituents had in mind when they elected you. You seem to be on some sort
of power trip, and it's not attractive, and not pono. Our County deserves better.
I am saddened by the loss of our beloved Mayor Billy. I am sure you are as well. I had learned over the past few days that Billy
wanted to connect with you. He was disheartened,along with many of us, as to your approach and lack of leadership in this
Planning Director confirmation hearing. It looked to many like you are simply working in a pack, and not rising above and doing
the right thing for the health of the Administration and to show support of our new Mayor. Billy's passing is a perfect reminder
as to how important it is to allow the leadership to do their job, support their picks (as long as they are reasonable) and get out
of the way. If they fail,sobeit,then someone else gets the job.To fight Mayor Roth on this is not productive, it's not fair, it's
not pono. When is the last time an appointee was not confirmed? It's not as though this appointee isn't experienced, or
passionate, or ready to do the job, and has already been doing the job. It makes no sense and it's too far from normal
proceedings to not allow Mr. Kern to continue to do his job.
Corporation Counsel has advised you that the minimum qualifications have been met.Are you comfortable going against the
legal advice given to you?
Human Resources offered their opinion that the minimum qualifications have been met. In voting against confirmation you go
against that as well,you're comfortable with that?
What kind of legal consequences may you face, personally or otherwise for going against the legal advice given to you?
The Mayor wants the appointee to be his Planning Director. What is your reasoning not to allow the appointee a chance to
succeed, not to give the benefit of the doubt?
By voting against the Administrations wishes, do you risk consequences for your district? Will your district be given less than it
otherwise deserves if you are the one representing it?
I wonder how your constituents would feel about that?
Is this how you want to be remembered as the ones who led the fight against a perfectly suitable candidate for a key cabinet
position? Please don't. It's bound to backfire on you.
Please accept this as my personal request to you, to reconsider your confirmation vote of Zendo Kern, and approve him as our
County's next Planning Director. II'' mQ�
Today makes it even more clear that this is the right thing to do. Remember,TOGETHER WE CAN!!Comm. N LL1' 1
Ref.To: � (100 . l
1 Ref. Dote FEB — 3 2n2i
Take good care, and stay safe.
With warm aloha,
Nancy Carr Smith
_ .
2