Following Tuesday's meeting of Griffith's councillors there will be a few people hoping they've seen the end of debate about the general manager's contract.
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Such debates about the terms of employment for the only employee that councillors are responsible for are usually held behind closed doors. Griffith ratepayers have been both blessed and cursed by the chance to see how the sausage is made in 2020.
For some in the community, the debate is about saving a good employee who's guided the city with a steady hand - although it's not clear that councillors wants to get rid of the general manager.
For others it's about correcting the numbers on a vote way back in October.
Two rescission motions have been lodged with supporting councillors wanting to see the record of that October vote corrected.
On both occasions those motions have ruled out of order by mayor John Dal Broi.
Councillor Dino Zappacosta got up to demand councillors lay the issue to rest because the GM's contract was approved 6-5 on November 10.
It appears Cr Zappacosta forgot that the mayor had to use his casting vote to break the initial 5-5 deadlock.
So you would have thought the rescission motion on Tuesday would have been a chance to clear the air.
Except the GM's contract was already signed - the same day a rescission motion to overturn that vote was lodged.
You've got wonder, why was there such haste to get Brett Stonestreet's signature on a piece of paper?
And wondering is what a lot of people are doing now.
There is no suggestion of any inappropriate dealings by councillors, the mayor or GM.
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However, ratepayers will be sitting back and wondering whether a free and frank discussion between councillors might have actually put the issue to bed, as Cr Zappacosta so strenuously demanded.
For long-time council observers, it's clear this issue has been kicked down the road - to places where there are no good outcomes.
The last thing Griffith councillors want is attention from the Office of Local Government.
Speculation about politics is a mug's game, but by preventing free and frank discussion this issue is likely to fester and plague council until September 2021.
Without honest talk, only division and innuendo prospers.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
