HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-2023 Press Release Councilmember Karen White Responds to the Cancellation of the Monday, January 23, 2023 Common Council Meeting Karen White
At Large Council Member
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Rm. 441 Office: (574) 235-9321 FAX: (574) 235-9173
County-City Building South Bend, IN Voicemail: (574) 235-5985 TDD: (574) 235-5567
46601- 1830 Work Office: (574) 520-4477 Email: KWHITE@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: COUNCILMEMBER KAREN WHITE RESPONDS TO THE CANCELLATION OF THE
MONDAY, JANUARY, 23, 2023 COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023
FROM: KAREN L. WHITE, AT LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER
CONTACT: COUNCIL ATTORNEY, BOB PALMER: BPALMER@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
Councilmember Karen White Responds to the Cancellation of the Monday, January, 23, 2023
Common Council Meeting
"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in
your spare time." Marian Wright Edelman
In over two (2) decades serving the citizens of South Bend as a Council At Large member, I have
attempted to faithfully follow the wisdom of the above quote. Over the last few months, it has become
apparent that there has been a breakdown in understanding the legal responsibilities each of the three (3)
parts of City Government must follow. Citizens expect that their elected officials will abide by laws and
regulations.
It is vital that we never forget that for the City to effectively function each part of government,
Administration, Common Council, and the Clerk need to work in a supportive way to maximize positive
outcomes for our residents.
I am deeply concerned and saddened as, over the last few months numerous issues have caused a decrease
in effectiveness culminating in the cancellation of the January 23, 2023 Common Council meeting. The
decision to cancel the meeting was not in isolation or arbitrary in regard to any agenda item. Several
important steps were necessary to be in compliance with state requirements as outlined by the State Public
Access Counselor.
I am calling on the State of Indiana's Office of the Public Access Counselor to meet with all of the parties
to clarify roles, responsibilities and the expectations set out by the State of Indiana. Clarity only happens
when there is open and honest dialogue. A PAC representative can finally answer questions about the
proper government process that follows the State of Indiana Code.
This meeting is vital, so that we do the business for the citizens our City.
It is what we were elected to do.
###