Steve Kornell Wrong on Security Cameras

I like council member Steve Kornell. I think he is growing into a fine representative for his district and the city. But, every now and then Steve gets more than a little tunnel versioned.

Case in point, the Thursday discussion regarding surveillance cameras.

At one point in the meeting Steve launched into what could be called a near tirade saying if all the surveillance cameras do is relocate crime then he won't support them. Just to be clear, he repeated himself several times with emphasis.

Steve has reason to be concerned because it is possible if the drug business starts moving around some of it could end up in his district.

This is the classic case of not in my back yard and shows that Steve has room to grow. Let's let the people suffering keep suffering and leave my people alone. Shortsighted at best since council members are elected citywide.

Before Steve throws the baby out with the bath water it would be a good idea to spend some of that passionate energy on getting the police department to actually do their job.

Earlier in the day at the budget meeting Steve had a similar near melt down when the acting budget director used the word bankruptcy, lecturing staff on what language to use when answering questions. Sending the, "tell us what we want to hear message," will not get council the facts they need.

Steve does a lot of good, has some great ideas but these little tirades can negate a lot of good very quickly.  

e-mail doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net