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Saturday, April 28, 2007

One Rotten Apple

The sixth district’s long countdown to the last days of Chucky Little and his ‘the bridge is failing, the bridge is failing’ attitude has finally come to an end. Hopefully, a new day is dawning with two representatives who care more about neighborhoods than those with big bucks who may contribute to their campaigns.

Unfortunately, Chuck’s sidekick’s days have not ended. While Harry Ingels will no longer be working as an aide in the sixth district offices, he will still be at city hall working for newly elected Russ Johnson from the second district. Harry gave what almost turned into a very tearful goodbye at a recent sixth district community meeting. His speech did draw a few tears from the audience, but not until he mentioned he would be staying on in the council offices.

During Chuck’s early years as councilman many of his constituents wondered who the real councilman was, Chuck or Harry. Hopefully, Councilman Johnson will be strong enough in his position that his aide will remember he is an aide. Those in the sixth district can also hope their cohorts in the second will not have to suffer Ingels’ venom and misplaced sense of authority. Whether on his own or at Chuck’s bidding, Ingels tried his best to divide the sixth district over the Red Bridge issue. He concocted the eleventh hour appearance of supporters of the project by calling people and telling them to appear at the Operations Committee. After the last public meeting he called friends and family and asked them to send in favorable comments, and then got some of them submitted into the official record after the deadline. Also, after a sunshine law request for a handful of documents, he charged an arm and a leg for copying (actually, research to look up emails).

Probably more of an indication of his true self came after a discussion of putting sanitary sewers into one of the older neighborhoods still on septic tanks. Many of those involved were older and on fixed income. The cost of the sewer project was of great concern, but Ingels' response was that they should just all go live in an old folk’s home.

There is great hope riding on the new council. The next four years could be a very positive time for neighborhoods. Our new mayor will undoubtedly change the ‘culture’ of the city council and the way they do business. Yet, it is with heavy heart that many in the sixth district realize how detrimental and insidious the influence of Harry Ingels could be. Russ Johnson certainly has his work cut out for him.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've heard stories of how people have called their councilman (Chuck Eddy) and Harry has not treated them very well. Mostly, their issues didn't get addressed which leaves them to wonder whose fault that was - Chuck's or Harry's.

Anonymous said...

Harry used to be a pretty nice guy. I think the problem was that Chuck didn't have a clue, so he depended on Harry more than he should have. That was really unfair to Harry and it's no wonder he has become the person he is today. Nevertheless, whatever the reason, he is who is he and I have to agree that Russ Johnson does have his work cut out for himself.

Anonymous said...

My fear is what influence Harry Ingels will have on other aides who may in turn influence the council people they work for. Harry has been around for too many years and that may give him credibility with some of the newer staff. I guess we can always hope Councilman Johnson will see Harry for who he is, and not keep him on very long.

Anonymous said...

Hip hip hooray! At least I won't have to deal with Ingels any more. My sympathies go to those who will.

Anonymous said...

Isn't there somebody that can talk with Russ Johnson? Ingels needs to be out of there.

Anonymous said...

HARRY'S GONE!!!!

Councilman Johnson's found someone else.