My Mistake

[Darrell Flood]

Tonight, I made an error and I want to report on it before anyone else
puts a spin on it that just doesn't exist.

First, some background. I have MS. With this illness comes certain
cognitive issues. One of them is memory. So, when I get excited, and
forget to follow my established routine, I forget things that, in some
cases, can be very important.

I didn't commit a crime, but I did exercise poor judgment.

When I go to public meetings, I take my digital recorder with me. It's
not too high tech, just a MP3 player with recording abilities.

This evening, at the City Council meeting in Lafayette, there was an
executive session scheduled to discuss the acquisition of property.
When the public portion was closed, I exited the room so I could
gather signatures for the initiative for the charter. I admit, I was
hurried. I forgot my recorder in the room. Usually, I take it with me,
because if I were to leave it there purposely, it would be unethical.
But, I forgot. My mom reminded me after the meeting room was closed.

As soon as the room was reopened, the public portion began again. It
was short and the meeting was adjourned. I picked up my recorder and
showed it to the council. Before I could say a word, the Assistant to
the CA and the CA were right there with accusations of malfeasance.
There was none. I went to them and showed them that I was erasing the
meeting. All of it. In fact, I have now lost every meeting I had
recorded.

So, now I will go and pay the money to get a copy of the public
portion. In the meantime, I feel like real stupid. I forget and now
the city tells me that I did it on purpose. I didn't hide it and put
it away before anyone noticed. I came to them. So, now they have the
recorder (hopefully I'll get it back) and will probably lose all the
songs that were on there as well. And, I'll be out the money on the
recording for the meeting.

But, I am not dishonest, just feel really stupid.

I apologize to anyone if this makes them feel they have the need to
doubt me. I'm just a guy trying to do the best I can with an illness
that I have.

Darrell W Flood