Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Nepotism and Nameplates

Dear Editor, 

 A quick google of the word, "Nepotism" brings this definition: the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

As Mr. Sellers pointed out, the appointment of Andrew Elwick was again, not handled properly and as the Mayor joked, they wouldn't even need to change the nameplate in front of Andrew's dad, Ron Elwick's seat. 

I have several questions for the council to consider. 

Why did you not offer the seat to a different member of the community, outside of the "clique"? You had a gentleman come in and offer a pretty convincing argument for appointing him, however, he didn't bear the Elwick name, a name you are used to dealing with. He offers a fresh set of eyes on Vinton, and new ideas, I think we've exhausted ideas that the Elwick's might have to offer.

Secondly, Andrew knew that his father was resigning and did not bother to file papers  to run, had he, he would have been elected unopposed, but he didn't care enough to do that. Mark Noe stepped up and volunteered thinking that there was no one else and made a worthy presentation making his case for the position.

Thirdly, the definition of nepotism clearly states that it is "the practice among those with power, or influence of favoring relatives OR friends, ESPECIALLY by giving them jobs."

The council, in my opinion, made an appointment, with a wink to nepotism in the appointment of Andrew Elwick as well. 

It's time to open the doors to fresh perspectives in Vinton, you can't get that without replacing the nameplates at the table. Time to make the hard decisions in favor of what is best for Vinton. It's time to stop doing the same old thing and expecting new results.

Stop Nepotism among family AND friends.

Sincerely, 

Pete Morgan Sr.