One reason why I love my job. . .

City government is an interesting case study. Lately, it fascinates me. In a series of recent weekly vignettes, I saw the exchange of pointed inquiry steeped with business psychology.

Today in Sparks City Council, Mike Carrigan took his characteristic stance on the edge of his chair, hunched over, and periodically stabbing his pen in the air toward the object of his inquiry.

It was a riveting case of reverse cross examination. A representative from Waste Management sat before a panel of council members under a barrage of questioning. The city of sleepy old Sparks gave him a challenge. And they had every reason to.

Waste Management is involved in a controversy over an exclusive franchise agreement with the city. The issue seems to be a no-win situation for all parties. If Waste Management is granted a franchise agreement for the entire waste stream it would effectively lock out smaller trash hauling companies from the industry. Steve Duque, the owner of CastAway Trash hauling, would lose a decent chunk of his commercial business and might have to resort to Top Ramen to feed his family.

On the other hand, if Waste Management doesn’t get the whole chunk of the business pie they will have to raise residential rates by almost 38 percent. In that case, they would take commercial business out of the model entirely, assuming that none of those customers would use Waste Management.

From my vantage point at the back wall of the room, you could see the beads of sweat coming from his forehead. He was a business man through and through – his strong voice never cracked and his responses were bold and professional. But man, was he under the gun.

This is the exciting part of my job. The drama and excitement tempered by professionalism is fascinating. What is more, this is the foundation of our democratic process. Too often we do see the strong arm of the government flex its muscle and hand down dictates and unfunded mandates. But then we see the process play out in debate and it restores my faith in our government.

Be critical, jab your pen into the air, chew butt on both sides of the issue and don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. It is the basis of your rights and a privilege that needs to be fiercely protected and exercised!

My comments do require a little justification. With that said, I am excited to get back to the norm - where city council acts as a great sleep aid.