Unclear Motivation For Merger Study

The Clayton Board of Aldermen and Richmond Heights City Council have not provided any cogent rationale of why the cities should even consider a measure so severe, costly, controversial, problematic, volatile, uncertain, and trail-blazing as a city merger. Their motivation can't be ascribed to the will of the people: Neither governing board could possibly be informed of what the masses think as there has been little dedicated public forum for citizens to share their opinions.

The merger study appears to be an exploration for a solution for which the problem will then be defined.

In helping the citizens understand where their City representatives are proposing to take them, it is essential the Cities first through disclosure and discussion:

1. Define the critical problems.
2. Trace the history of each problem.
3. Discuss what has been tried to remedy each problem.
4. Indicate why such remedies have failed.
5. Identify what other alternatives were considered and elaborate on why they were ruled out.
6. Explain why it is believed all viable options have been exhausted.

If the Cities want their citizens to maintain open minds, then their elected officials need to present more than just a vision. Beginning by leaping to a radical conclusion will unquestionably lead citizens to make such a shallow approach a sour memory.