Lawrence mayor and trustees clash over board choice

A question of political philosophy arose at the July 13 Lawrence Village meeting: Are political appointees who are competent and diligent worthy of reappointment -- if they have less than gold-star attendance?

One trustee of the Board of Building Design, board member Ronni Berman, was reappointed by Mayor Martin Oliner, despite having attended only four out of 11 meetings from June 2009 through June 2010, according to an attendance roster presented by Village Trustee Michael Fragin.

Oliner explained at the meeting that Berman, who does typically spend the winter away from Lawrence, spent a longer time away from home than was typical of her past years of service. He took that into account in reappointing Berman, who could not be reached for comment by press time despite multiple attempts.

"I think its farcical to appoint someone to the responsibility of passing judgement on their neighbors, when their neighbors are in fact [many] miles to the south," Fragin said.

"When someone volunteers, who am I to say 'you were absent; You don't belong on the board,?” Oliner asked rhetorically.

The newly installed mayor also said that all trustees were doing wonderful jobs, and Berman in particular has been a long-standing member of the Board who is "as diligent as anyone."

Oliner also pointed out that there are "very competent" people serving as alternates who are there at meetings to fill in when members are missing.

However, trustee Simon Felder, who Oliner succeeded as mayor, noted that even the most "intelligent, honest people" are of little use when they can't be present.

"This isn't an honorarium," Felder said. Trustee Edward Klar also appears to be in agreement with Fragin and Felder as he said he did not approve of "perpetuating the same board, solely because they have served before."

Organizational changes also were made to the Board of Zoning Appeals, whose members will now serve three years, instead of five upon being appointed or reappointed. Alternates on that board will also be empowered to ask questions, and participate more fully.

"These were my appointments, and I exercised all of my mayoral prerogative," Oliner said. "The acid test is that we have a very good resident who is willing to serve."

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