Civics Statements from Casual Conversations - City Council Address June 1, 2026 (John Marshall Lee)

It is spring. Nature greens before us and the variety of blossoms inspires us once again.

It is 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, and other current holidays like

Memorial Day, upcoming Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Latin parades and celebrations

abound at this moment. In each of these remembrances, do we reflect with our

neighbors, as humans about the principles, virtues, and values that have created “the

common good”? Certainly! We also discuss sports, music, family issues, among other

things, with interest and passion. But do we formally gather to include CIVICS, the

“study of citizen rights and responsibilities in casual conversation?

Last week our mayor presented a “state of the city” address to a local association, many

members of whom are not city residents but support the business community. They

have a right to listen to him, certainly, but this message appropriately is deserved by

owner/resident/ taxpayers to see their agreement with his assessment. Does the

Mayor’s address represent “of the people, by the people, for the people” governance?

Does it fulfill the Charter duty of a mayor to deliver a message annually to the residents

of the largest city in the state?

Our forefathers of 250 years were white men of standing, reputation, and belief in virtue.

The fifty-six colonists who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, at various

times before September of that year, but not on July 4, the date we celebrate, put their

lives at risk. Eight of these “founders,” who signed, were immigrants, not born in the

colonies. They were from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Why do we have such

trouble today in Congress providing immigration policy, rules, and practice settled

around potential citizens? The Declaration also recorded that “life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness” were foundational. Where do we hear that “pursuit of happiness”

for all people, humans, as neighbors, is the purpose of good governance.

‘Consent of the governed’ is another phrase, not well supported in a municipality where

10% or fewer of registered residents cast a 2025 ballot. Can we improve voting by the

currently voiceless by stopping for one hour monthly to listen, hear questions, and

respond truth to neighbors. Relative to your vote for three ethics candidates tonight: All

of them are citizens of stature and needed for that Commission to address their tasks.

What would our Founders respectfully tell us if they could, were they to consider current

public virtue? What does good governance demand?

Time will tell.