Dunwoody Chicken Coup

In Dunwoody, sheltering and nurturing "chickens" is an executive privilege reserved for the Smart folks down at City Hall.

The facts are not in dispute: Council met in executive session and one or more perpetrators leaked information that by law must be kept secret. Given their now obvious character flaws it comes as no surprise that cowardice compels them to silence and they have none of the honesty or integrity required to openly confess and face their punishment. They would rather heap insult upon injury, in the hopes they will not be caught, or if caught will receive little more than a slap on the wrist. But by not coming forward these cowards will cost the rest of us $150/hr for an investigator to break open the Cabal and identify at least some of the traitors. Hopefully this investigation will also reveal those who are protecting them as well.

By refusing to confess, by denying their actions, they cast a dark shadow on the governance of the entire city. How many, if any, members of Council or staff are complicit and to what extent? Are others now guilty of obstruction or participating in a cover-up? If, as many suggest, "this has been going on since day one", is this the tip of a very large iceberg? Just how deep and wide does the corruption extend?

There is some merit to the argument that the City Cabal has played fast and loose with the sanctity of executive session for some time, as it is clear now that  the "chickens" have taken over the city and are now protected by a self-imposed and seemingly impenetrable cone of silence. The only secret this City seems capable of keeping is just who has been leaking secrets.

Perhaps the Council should hear no new business, act on no other agenda item except investigation progress reports until the investigation is complete and the guilty suffer the maximum penalty afforded under the law. Perhaps this would restore what is left of the crumbling confidence the electorate has in their City's staff and Council. Perhaps not.