Doug Marmie runs backward

Doug Marmie, city councilman, proved himself to be running backward for city council presidency when he revealed too much about the way he thinks in an Advocate guest column yesterday.

You need to go read that column at the Advocate web site along with the comments from readers it received.

Quote: "A few years back, I had a revelation. I had all this knowledge and experience, but what was holding it all together? I believe there are two threads: the law and ethics bind information so it is used for the good of all." Likely he won't ever outlive that, as well he shouldn't. Likely he won't even be able to explain what it means.

But to summarize, for readers who had no time to sit there and try to figure out what he was talking about: He was talking about his desire to become Newark city council president by justifying his use of executive sessions while the public's business was being conducted.

Mr. Marmie ends this essay with his reason for being on the side of council members who refuse - by doing nothing to make it happen - to invite more of the public into council meetings through the use of cable casts. Here it is: "We have higher priorities that deserve city funds than paying for broadcasting council meetings."

Really. Mark that one down, voters of the 6th Ward. That's your man. Then call him up and ask him exactly how much it would cost. Not how much was spent in the past, but how much it would cost to have a city employee videotape the meetings and get them on one of the Time-Warner public access channels.

And that will give you the answer to whether your man has done any research on the matter. And that will demonstrate whether he favors open government or not. And that will provide a gauge for his suitability as council president. And quite possibly that will provide Mr. Marmie with yet another revelation.