City Councilman Files For Bankruptcy

The SN-L reports that City Councilman Doug Burlison filed for bankruptcy protection on December 18, 2007 in Federal Bankruptcy Court. There are several pages of comments about the article on the SN-L link. Commentators have strong opinions about the Councilman's actions. It is certainly worthwhile to read all the comments to the article. Here are some highlights:

First, Opinionated said, "It's none of our business"

Then, Leevan said, "It is our buissness,"

Then, MO_Joe said, "Everyone should be DEMANDING to know why..."

Then, JCW said: "I know the reason..." Editors note: JCW's full quote is "I know the reason and if people come out bashing Doug they will discover they're going to look like fools when the reason is made public."

Then Lonewolf said, "for a city councilman to file bankruptcy, certainly raises a lot of questions."

Then The Smurf said, "He doesn't have to explain jack crap to anyone."

Then Lonewolf said, "he must explain his actions to the voters who elected him."

Then Painted Pine said, "Leave this alone until the man speaks publicly."

Then DairyQueen said, " This bankruptcy, after he staked his claims on fiscal responsbility, is his iceberg, no matter what the reasons."

It is news because he is on the Springfield City Council, specifically on the Finance and Administration Committee. I want to know the reason not because of schaedenfreud, but because he is an overseer of our money and decides how to spend it. If this bankruptcy was the result of preventable actions, that might change views. But as of now, based on the limited knowledge we have, his seat is safe.

But it is not fair to us to announce the bankruptcy and then tell us you'll tell us why you did it at a press conference to be held next week (that hasn't been scheduled yet at the time of this posting 3:18 pm Friday). The reasons next week should be the same reasons this week, Should we just wait for "the spin"?

JCW, in the SN-L comments on this article, implies that the Councilman told him the reason for filing. If the Councilman did indeed tell him the reason, why can't we be told also? Bad news is best dealt with quickly, succinctly and in a straightforward manner. If the Councilman told JCW and also told him he would release the information at a later date, in effect, embargoing the information until that time, then JCW, however well intentioned, should not have posted the comment.

But, I don't know that that happened, so, JCW...don't tease us like this, tell us the reason!

NOTE: I just surfed over to Life Of Jason's post on the Councilman to see if there is any elaboration on the comment in the SN-L and if he gives the reason in his blogpost. Life of Jason says,

I just finished speaking with Springfield City Councilman Doug Burlison who confirmed to me that he has filed for bankruptcy. He said that he wasn’t releasing details of the filing until after his court date which is scheduled for Tuesday. After that, he will be releasing a statement and holding a press conference about the situation... Until Tuesday, we should just wait and see what develops.