storyhill.net, Nov. 27, 2006

Council rejects citation powers for aldermen

Nov. 27 -- The Common Council has rejected an effort to authorize aldermen to enforce city ordinances by issuing tickets to scofflaws.

The vote was 11-4.

Ald. Michael McGee, sponsor of the measure, assured his colleagues that he was not seeking broad arrest powers for aldermen.

“There are some real serious issues in the district that I represent," he said. "We should have the ability to enforce certain quality of life issues."

Ald. T. Anthony Zielinski said he agreed with McGee "110%." Zielinski said he would issue citations himself.

"You see truants, going up and down the streets at all times...and no one’s issuing any citations and no one is doing anything about it, you know, hey! If we have this authority, I’ll go out there, if I have to," he said.

The proposal would seek state legislation allowing aldermen to issue citations. Ald. Robert Puente, a retired police officer, cautioned that council members likely would have to undergo substantial training if they were going to enforce ordinances.

Ald. Michael Murphy, said the proposal raised separation of powers issues. “ We’re a legislative body that makes laws for the city," he said. "Now we’re going to be entrusting ourselves to enforce those laws. I’m not an attorney, but I’d be concerned about that."

Murphy also said the power to enforce city ordinances could be abused.

"Clearly, the potential could exist where there could be retaliation," he said. “That is the reason why there should be a separation of powers on this issue.”

Besides McGee and Zielinski, aldermen supporting the measure were Willie Wade and Willie Hines Jr.