City Council Chronicles

Virginia Ridley--London, ON councilor--walks us through one frustrating and heated meeting from 2015 that illustrated the wisdom of councils taking breaks between major decisions. Plus, we talk about ideal meeting times, her Facebook series with a familiar theme, and a relationship bombshell that foreshadowed a "surreal" council meeting. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

It's the middle of summer, so we explore heated council meetings from our previous episodes. You will hear excerpts from the interviews of Breea Clark, Janet Diaz, Lee Vogler, and Justin Outling. Plus, we get an award from Pullman, WA Council Member Brandon Chapman and hear a brand-new explosive moment from the Listeners' List. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/) Big Horns Intro 2 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://audionautix.com/ (http://audionautix.com/)

Branden Dyer--Charlotte, MI councilman--recalls the unrelenting criticism his council experienced leading up to the 2015 election, including trolling and accusations of manipulation. Then we examine his reappointment to the council thanks to a last-minute vote switch. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Michael Brown--Hillsboro, OR city manager--views his council meetings, in part, as "performances." To that end, we take a behind-the-scenes tour of Hillsboro's unique state of the city addresses, where there are comedy routines, acting cameos by former officials, and text message polls. Plus, the dramatic vote on last year's sanctuary city policy. "State of the City" book by Scott Lazenby: https://www.amazon.com/State-City-Scott-Lazenby/dp/1977683630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Sandra Vincent--McDonough, GA councilwoman--was surprised that her fellow council members argued against allowing visible tattoos and piercings for city employees, despite receiving presentations from people with tattoos and piercings! Plus, she explains why business owners should make it clear in council meetings that they do not live in the city. Also, a statement about the 6/24/18 interview with Meriden, CT Councilor Miguel Castro. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Miguel Castro--Meriden, CT councilor--believes there should have been a thorough discussion at his council about a colleague's inappropriate comments about city staff. However, he thinks it is a distraction to focus on his own inquiry about deleting meeting footage earlier this year. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Janet Diaz--Lancaster, PA councilwoman--reveals why the council has chosen to give their commenters a bit more anonymity, and her own suspicions about being stalked. She gives advice on how to handle explosive confrontations running high with emotion and avoiding an escalation. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Kyle Schlachter--Littleton, CO council member--is disappointed that his council voted away their right to be unpaid police officers earlier this year. However, he has gained free snacks at meetings thanks to the new mayor. We also discussed what happens when commenters accuse him of violating the charter. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributionlicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Breea Clark--Norman, OK councilmember--pinpoints the exact meeting when her relationship with her fellow council members changed. She remembers the discomfort when council reexamined a racist street name and talks about whether it's okay to cut off hate speech at a council meeting. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Listen to the newest project from City Council Chronicles, the eight-part "Tear It Down" audio story, available at www.tearitdownpodcast.com. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Two weeks ago was the release of "Tear It Down," an eight-part podcast telling the story of the city government in North College Hill, Ohio. In this episode, Michael Karlik explains how the project came together. Website: www.tearitdownpodcast.com Twitter and Facebook: @tearitdownpod Route Fifty write-up: https://www.routefifty.com/management/2018/05/documenting-one-local-governments-long-history-dysfunction/148282/ City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Years before “drain the swamp” became a rallying cry for Donald Trump, a small group of concerned citizens banded together to change the direction of their city. They began winning elections and eventually gained control. But they used their power to do more than clean up the government--and chaos ensued. Michael Karlik narrates an eight-part story debuting on May 10. Visit tearitdownpodcast.com. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/.

Michele Martinez--Santa Ana, CA mayor pro tem--has some scathing commentary on the behavior she sees, including how the mayor makes people wait hours for public comment, how people held a meeting via text message in violation of California law, and how one person in particular skips meetings without excuses. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

In the biggest exposé of the year, Michael Karlik appears on “60 Minutes” to blow the whistle on city council meeting. You will hear excerpts from the interviews of Matthew Green, Allison Hiltz, Marian Orr, C. Brandon Chapman, and Khalid Bey. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Justin Outling--Greensboro, NC council member--has been in the room during a barrage of controversies: the transgender bathroom bill, an apology for KKK violence, and the screening of police body cam footage in a meeting. We discuss his focus on results and why he avoids doing and saying things in meetings just to feel good. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/)

Brandon Chapman--Pullman, WA councilmember--is a longtime listener of the podcast and describes it as “professional development” for city council members. To that end, why, naturally we talked about art! He gives his thoughts on Van Gogh, impressionism, and what makes a good municipal utility box painting. City Council Chronicles provides reviews of city council meetings from across the world. Named a "Top 100 Local Government Influencer" in 2016 and 2017 by ELGL.org. Link: https://councilchronicles.com/ Twitter: @michaelkarlik. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycouncilchronicles/. Graphic by Ben Wasserman: @benwassetweet. Music credits: News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Artist: http://incompetech.com (http://incompetech.com/) Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100806 (http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100806) Artist: http://incompetech.com/ (http://incompetech.com/)