August 30, 2017

Author:  Tim Becker

Citizens:

Following is a link to a WSB story on Council Member Matt Kunz’s meltdown at Monday’s City Council meeting.

WSB News: Council Member Kunz Temper Tantrum

I witnessed Kunz lose his temper on Monday.  As a consultant, I have worked for many dozens of companies.  I have seen several people lose their temper, mostly behind closed doors and not so up-close-and-personal.  However, I have never seen an outburst in the workplace like I witnessed on Monday.  I have never seen a person in the workplace publicly get in someone’s face like that.  I have never seen an incident so extreme that security was called.  And I honestly believe that what I saw on Monday would be a fire-able offense at many/most companies.  There was a time when such behavior–and other testosterone-fueled behaviors–were tolerated in the workplace; those days have long passed, except perhaps in Milton’s city government.

After a lot of time to think about it, the best excuse that Mr. Kunz could come up with is that he was applying a coaching technique.  He condescendingly asserts that he was helping Joe Longoria to become a better “player.”  By Mr. Kunz’s reckoning, he was just performing a good deed for his fellow man.  He was misunderstood.  And I suppose Joe Longoria and the rest of us are just a bunch of ingrates.  Is it Kunz’s intention to similarly “coach” his constituents to make them “better” citizens?

It is amazing that Kunz would be unapologetic and use the tired excuse that his extreme temper tantrum was just “locker room” behavior.  How many times have we, especially women, heard that before?  Boys will be boys, huh?

Kunz chalks it all up to passion.  However, I can tell you that what I witnessed was not passion.  It was clear for all to see that Kunz was out of control.  Staff were clearly concerned . . . so much so that the police were summoned.

Most importantly, let’s not forget who establishes the tone and culture of our city government:  our elected leaders.  They should be held to a (much) higher standard.  I have now been witness to no less than six extended outbursts from Council members in Council meetings.  And unfortunately, the bad behavior of some Council members has percolated to their appointees on committees.  In one incident (video to be released later), a committee chairman (with a history of bad behavior) had to be gently removed from a confrontation with the mayor by the City Manager, while police converged on the scene.  And with that incident, the City once again looked away.

So it is fair to ask some questions to the city and ourselves?  Does Kunz’s meltdown really reflect our aspirations for the City?  Does it improve the culture of our City government (as Mr. Kunz ridiculously asserts)?  Is it more or less likely that citizens and staff will engage our Council (most notably Mr. Kunz) knowing that we might be “coached” in such a manner?  You get the point.  Kunz set a real poor example.  Mr. Kunz showed singularly poor leadership, no matter how you cut it.  And he continues to show poor leadership by making up a bunch of lame excuses for his behavior.  (Yes, I think it is fair to say that Mr. Lou Holtz would be more than disappointed in Kunz.)  I suppose it will be left to citizens to drag our City out of the gutter, where Mr. Kunz (and Mr. Lusk) have left it.

Advocating for Citizens,

Tim Becker

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The blog really went viral yesterday.  Tons of hits.  The posted videos have been watched many hundreds of times.  Thank you for your ongoing support.  To achieve better governance, the City needs your continued engagement.  Our hopes for improved governance lie with you, the citizens.  — TB