As a property owner in the fifth ward, I watched in sheer disbelief as our very own Alderman, Barbara J Best, declared on public television during the Alderman meeting on the 12th of November, 2024, that she doesn't deem her ethical oath includes attendance to any meetings. Barbara's statement exact: "....I don't have to show up to not one meeting and it's not against my ethical oath if I don't show up to a meeting...".  This is highly alarming and contradicts the fundamental principle and commitment to duty which our local government should embody.

Barbara's neglect of official responsibility not only disheartens us, her constituents, but undermines the effectiveness and integrity of our local government system. We rely on our elected officials to represent our interests and diligently attend to their duties. However, Barbara's blatant disregard for these commitments is a clear sign of unfit leadership.

Going by the National League of Cities (NLC)'s ordinance, it is an elected official's duty and obligation to faithfully attend all meetings (NLC Guide to Ethics Laws for Local Officials-2017) and by blatantly ignoring this responsible conduct, Barbara is going against these set regulations intended to maintain the trust of the citizens.

Given such alarming behavior, we are legitimizing a call for Barbara J Best to resign as Ward five Alderman. We believe our local government can, and should, consist of representatives who are ethically dedicated to their role and committed to making our community a better place.

We kindly urge every resident who cares about the integrity and functionality of our local government to sign this petition. Your support can bring about the change we need in our community leadership.

For more information regarding the recent statements above, please feel free to visit any of the following links.  

Entire meeting video (see 1:18:00 through about 1:22:00)
https://fb.watch/vS21J3Mc_T/

Ms. Best's statement from above:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19Y51fR1Jj/

Local news article explaining why attendance of our local Aldermen attendance to the Board of Aldermen meeting is critical: 
https://wcti12.com/news/local/stalemate-continues-over-ward-6-alderman-seat-next-meeting-set-for-november-26