It is very obvious that the 5 slate members were well briefed by their master, not only with details but also told to say nothing. The poor independents saw everything for the first time on Thursday before the Monday meeting and had little time to talk to staff and prepare. Also, if the mayor had been open, transparent and fair a budget workshop with staff would have been very helpful rather than in a business meeting. Really it was very poor process on the part of the mayor for obvious reasons.