Minutes 06/27/1961 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

J32 TUESDAY .~]JNE 27~ 1961 In the earlier paragraph wherein we stated that we did not feel the appointment of the organization advisable, there were used the phrases was the governing body," "of Hartinsville," and "for the purposes proposed." It is in these phrases that there lies the basis for the decision. As the municipal governing body a City Council has certain established areas of responsibility and obligation. These established areas have come to be ~J written law, or, ~J tradition or custom, closely related to law and always defendable by law. There is a division between those areas in which the governing body of the city should be involved and in which it should not be involved. Sometimes the line is not clear. However, in this case it is felt the line is clear. The question is the appointment by the City Council of a committee or a commission for the specific purpose -- whether directed or inferred -- of investigating, studying or seeking changes in the operating policies of business houses in this field of social relations in which you are at this time interested. For a City Council to so appoint, it, the Council, would be not only acceptirg responsibility for how the business houses conduct their businesses along these lines but would also be telling the business houses how they must conduct their business. If the governing body can take such action with regard to one type of business then there would be no reason why it could not or should not do the same for any or all other kinds of businesses. The City Council cannot anpoint a comnittee or commission and immediately forget them. If it appoints, it is acknowledging that those things which the group does are the responsibility of the local g~~ernment and it is morally bound to consider recommendations from the group for action by ordinances, policies or such. In a matter such as you have presented, such a committee or commission appointed by the Council becomes a dangerour cross-over by the city government from running established government affairs to running the affairs of private enterprise. We, living as citizens and when we sit together as an official body, have admiration for all the people of Martinsville for the community spiri t that has always prevailed. Our people have always l:1.ved together and worked together in total harmony. Each of you and your commi ttee, as ministers of your faiths, we know join 1.,Q th us, as members of the City's Council, in effort that this harmony may always continue for there is no reason why it should not so do. In again acknowledging our appreciation of your apnroach to us in this matter, a concluding point should be made. It is always important, and particularly so in these times, that lines of cOlTImunication remain open. If the City Council has obligations to perform then they should be brought to the member's attention. In matters of community interest or concern as Council members we not only welcome, but invite the opportunity to meet with those most interested. Often, as in this instance, there may be limi ts upon the extent of the governing body's soecific action, but there has been cormrrunication, been discussions, and been consideration and those are vitally important if He are to all work to maintain and strengthen the place in l-!hich vTe live.