Various news reports have characterized the behind-closed-doors discussions of several anti-immigrant measures by Farmers Branch City Council members as "deliberations." That isn't accurate. I don't mean that the City Council members are not guilty of discussing those measures behind closed doors (in violation of Texas's open meetings act); that part is true. What I'm talking about is the deliberations characterization. That's the untrue part.
Deliberate in this context means, of course, carefully thought out in advance, unhurried and with care and dignity. And by that measure the members of the Farmers Branch City Council failed miserably.
How else to explain their inconsideration of a September appeal by a task force of businesspeople charged with revitalizing Farmers Branch that urged the members of the city council to reconsider those immigration measures? How else to explain their decision given the fact that their city doesn't have the financial resources to pay for the large legal bills they knew they'd have to spend defending their measures in court? How else to explain their November 13 decision to adopt their anti-immigrant ordinances given the fact that they were aware that two weeks earlier a federal judge had issued a temporary order blocking the city council of Hazleton, Pennsylvania from enforcing an unconstitutional edict just like one of theirs?
Given these and other facts, no reasonable person could possibly conclude that the members of the Farmers Branch city council carefully thought out in advance their course of action in this matter. They didn't deliberate, they defaulted on their obligations to act in the best interests of their city and its residents.
What are a city council's obligations? I'd say the following mission statement nails it down pretty well:
The Mission of the City Council of the City of San Marcos is to provide the best leadership and stewardship of resources entrusted to our care by the citizens and employees of San Marcos. The Council will execute their duties intelligently, respectfully, honestly, with respect for all cultures, religions, and races and without prejudice.
As best as I can determine, the Farmers Branch City Council doesn't have an official mission and/or vision statement (or at least an online-accessible version). I can't imagine, however, that anyone would seriously argue that the obligations of the members of the Farmers Branch City Council differ in any way significant from the obligations outlined in the San Marcos City Council Mission statement. That being the case, doesn't it follow, then, that with their adoption of these divisive measures the members of the FB City Council have violated their official obligations?
I think so and I also think they all should be recalled from office for their dereliction of duty.
Now, I've never set foot in, nor do I know anyone in, Farmers Branch. Despite that, however, I have no doubt that many residents of that town have worked hard through the years to build themselves a healthy community. It's a damn shame that their efforts and dedication are now being destroyed by the folly of the current city council members.
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