The Dangers of Ignoring Due Process: A Local and National Pattern

Wane A. Hailes President/Publisher

Government operates on processes, procedures and laws designed to ensure fairness, transparency and democracy. However, when elected officials choose to bypass these structures, they create chaos and undermine public trust. This is what we witnessed at the last city council meeting.

We’ve seen this trend nationally, and it has a name: Trumpism. While some take issue with the term, it is simply a metaphor for a style of governance that disregards established norms—running roughshod over procedures, ignoring rules and making decisions based on personal will rather than democratic principles. It’s no different from saying someone is “shooting from the hip” or “running amok.”

This disregard for due process is not just a national issue; it is happening right here in our local government. Decisions are being made without following proper procedures, leaving officials confused and the public uninformed.

When leaders plan and execute decisions in a way that blindsides others—without notifying key figures like the mayor or ensuring the clerk of council is properly informed—it results in disarray.

In a lawful and democratic government, process matters. The rules exist to maintain order, fairness and accountability. Yet, when officials act without transparency or due diligence, they create instability by design. This kind of chaos isn’t accidental—it’s intentional.

If we allow elected officials to continue ignoring established procedures, we risk normalizing disorder and eroding the very foundations of good governance. The community must demand accountability and insist that the rules are followed—not just when convenient, but at all times.