Code

Many things come to mind when I hear the word 'code'. Law enforcement and fire units still use remnants of the 10 code system. 10-4 okay, 10-22 cancel your response, etc. From my college days, I remember writing computer code. My engineering class was the last graduating class that took their exams on a slide rule. A TI 99 (Texas Instruments) calculator that could only add, subtract, multiple and divide sold for a bargain price of $99.95 in 1972. Computer code was punched in IBM type cards and sent to the computing department. If you were lucky, your results came back the following morning, only if each card was properly punched and in the correct order. Department stores and hospitals use codes for spills in isles, shop lifters and medical emergencies. There are professional codes of conduct, building codes, performance codes, construction codes and the list goes on.

In preparation for tonight's city council meeting, my first, I have spent some time reading several of the relevant West Virginia state codes governing municipalities and county commissioners and officers. By no means do I claim any proficiency in state code but I do have a good starting understanding of some of the most relevant codes. I believe it is fundamental to base city council decisions on relevant code and have checks, balances and audits that provide a score card on how well we are doing. Too often decisions are made based on emotions and not fact. I am not immune to making emotional decisions and usually the end result is "Honey , I'm sorry I opened my mouth."

I am hopeful that the 2010-2011 city council will park our emotions, biases and sometimes friendships at the door, to conduct the business of city government.