Statement to JSC 11-30-2005

At its October meeting, the JSC focused on the content of the “Statement of Purpose” and “Guiding Objectives.” The JSC did not discuss whether or not it made sense to consider these documents and the potential consequence of adopting them.

The JSC voted to adopt the objective that jobs would not be eliminated owing to merger or consolidation, except by attrition or retirement. The minutes referred to this vote as a “straw vote.” The Post-Dispatch and Citizen reported this vote as an actual outcome – that jobs would be guaranteed. The press has issued no retractions or corrections.

Unfortunately, as the elected officials, City managers, and City attorneys would tell you, the JSC’s vote does not bind future – or even current – government to preserving jobs. The JSC can’t control or predict how elected officials will act. A public relations nightmare has potentially been created as employees have been given a false sense of job security.

According to Joint Resolutions, the primary purpose of the JSC is to study. In particular, to determine the “pluses” and “minuses” of merging. No more. Despite your well-intentioned actions, the JSC was not empowered to deliver the no-job-cuts assurance. The JSC vote did not create law.

A disinterested expert would not have put these documents before you, allowed you to take a vote, and create a potentially tumultuous employee situation. This scenario exemplifies what can innocently occur when very bright people venture outside their areas of expertise. Without the benefit of hands-on experience, the process suffered from lack of an instinctive perception of the implications of what was taking place.

The JSC voted 18-12 to incorporate the "Statement of Purpose" and "Guiding Objectives."