HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0789.015 1998-2000 • JUL -24 -00 MON 12:12 PM Weisman. M. 808 384 P-01
Michael B. Weisman
RECEIVED
87 -3204 Mamalahoa Hwy. 4-4
Captain Cook, HI 96704 pp JUL 29 P(1 2 24
(808) 328 -7384 fax (808) 328 -7381
mweisman @gte.net CO' '
COUNC7 CF
July 24, 2000
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St. •
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Bills 264 and 265
Dear Council Members and Chair:
In this day and age, where mistrust of public officials is at, what is belir .d to be, an
all -time high. it becomes imperative that all semblance of impropriety be, ved
whenever possible. Bills 264 and 265 submitted by County Council Menlo. Julie
Jacobson, is a measure that will take Hawaii County on a giant step towarC ..cut goal.
While some Council members are upset because they feel they've been vr:cused of
dishonest dealings, they must surely also understand the reasons so many constituents
feel this is, indeed, the case. And, I'm sure, in the past, this has certainly be; =ri the case in
many instances, many of which jump glaringly out at the public daily.
Bills 264 and 265 will remove many doubts the public has about the in'c■:, ity of its
elected leaders. They will tie the hands of special interests who think they c bay votes
with contributions, and take the pressure offCouncil members to hand ont ': •:ors in lieu
of these contributions. The key here is integrity and accountability in gov ,, .:ent which
is the foundation of our. system. These bills make sense.
I believe that a vote against these measures will be sending an extremely poor .
message to the people of this island. A message that says: their Council representatives
are more concerned about their own campaign funds and special interests, ti c. - they are
about their constituents and the welfare of the island as a whole. Furthermo _. - feel Ms.
Jacobson's figure of a maximum allowable contribution of $100 to be fair, till! not
large enough to feel an obligation. The $500 maximum is too large a figur
certainly an obligation would exist at that amount. Any burden Council M. , s feel at
the smaller amount is more than offset by trust that will be gained by the pu'-,i
Comm. No. •
File No. •
Ref. To: Pressure — F C
Ref, Date JUL 2 5 2000
• • 4UL -24 -00 MON 12:12 PM Weisman, M. 898 028 T08• P.0.2
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In closing, I implore you, the County Council, to do what is best for the people of this
island. We so badly want to trust and respect our representatives. Unfortunately, the
system as it stands, allows for potential graft and dishonesty. To eliminate these potential
avenues is essential. These bills will go a long way to instill confidence in you, the group
of people who this island puts their trust in. For it is you who hold the keys to the future.
MosrSi rely,
Michael B. Weisman
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