Back in time, a Salem Mayor only had a term of two years. That changed in 1970 to a four year term.

Surprisingly Dean B. Cranmer (D) already had accumulated 16 years of two year terms before he lost in 1970 to T. Emerson Smith, a retired grocer..who shortly later died in office and was law replaced by then Council President, Charles Alexander, a salesman who thus ended the business minded men in that office from thereon in my opinion, and the further development of Salem, and our starting point now because when “We” becomes ‘Me’ in that office, no good can come from that attitude. It’s only when you have quality teams pushing in the same direction..for you.. and not.. by you. Dean B. Cranmer had this skill in selecting the right people for his administration offices and many were opposite party affiliations.

I spent time trying to understand the Mayors role with City Council since she sits with them. Was the Salem Charter changed to a mayor/council government or is she like an ‘at large’ mayor capacity. Actually I saw her more as a strong Mayor as she has veto powers and appointments. But I digress and will go on.

I reviewed the Salem City Planning Commissioners appointed by this present mayor. Only three were qualified, to wit: the Mayor, Service Director and Parks Commissioner.

That foregoing was the Mayor’s selection guide for selecting the remainder, to wit: a Surveyor, Engineer, Utilities (Gas) (Electric) (Telephone) personnel, or Contractor, etc. directly familiar with subdivision regulations from their daily work schedules.

No wonder why things are amiss at present.

Here’s how we operated back then.

Roberts Rules of Order were always used, and all meetings electronically recorded for accuracy and destroyed after the prior minutes were approved as a means of retaining authenticity thereon.

It was always best to keep appointees as office holders and protect the Mayor’s vote.

Additionally, the appropriate Township Trustees were always mailed a copy of the Agenda meeting if items pertained to them.

The Planning Director, though not a voting member, was required to be in attendance to answer all questions and record the meeting and prepare the minutes for the next meeting.

So this is a taste of a tight ship to run with Mayoral involvement skills at work for a legal operation and voting privileges maintained..

Stephen Navoyosky

Salem