In the wake of a stadium deal that left many in Council feeling used and manipulated, an episode that saw members lampooned as pets on the mayor s leash, Verna is demanding some respect. And Street would be wise to listen. Because for all his experience and political skill, his administration acts as if it takes Council for granted.
T hat can prove costly.
I counted five times in yesterday s hearing that Verna scolded Street s chief of staff , Joyce Wilkerson , for keeping Council in the dark. Like planning for the big blight - elimination p rogram . I have yet to have a meeting, Verna complained, and I m really concerned about that. Like the water rate hike that s included in the budget but was never mentioned in Council s briefing from the administration. Wilkerson agreed it would have been better to tell Council about the rate hike as opposed to having it buried where people had to figure it out.