My writings often have been critical of City Council actions.
Yet as I disapprove of some of the decisions they
’ve made, I have also campaigned for their election, worked with
them on advisory groups, committees and projects from supporting
vital community health care to facilities for a dayworkers
center.
My writings often have been critical of City Council actions. Yet as I disapprove of some of the decisions they’ve made, I have also campaigned for their election, worked with them on advisory groups, committees and projects from supporting vital community health care to facilities for a dayworkers center.
But as issues surface, I don’t hesitate to write directly to them, call them on the phone, exchange emails and meet with them in addition to writing to our local newspaper. I believe I have an obligation and a duty to interact as they have an obligation to serve. This is what democracy is all about.
The interchange between elected officials and the public is difficult at best. It often occurs at stuffy formal meetings in chambers. These meetings can last hours and again hours before your issue can come up for discussion. Public input is limited to a few minutes, and there is no opportunity to readdress. Council receives studies and information that is often unavailable to the public until just prior to the meetings. Reading through pages of material minutes prior to discussion leaves little opportunity for a meaningful interchange.
As much as Council has an obligation to disseminate information and follow due process, we as members of the public must keep ourselves informed. I believe Council is best served by an active public that is provided more than just an opportunity to participate but a process that requires such participation in chambers and out. Yet meeting after meeting fewer participate.
Chambers are often near empty. Months ago, when Council raised our water rates, I was surprised to find that I was the only member of the public present at the open study session. In Gilroy last week, few of the registered voters actually voted for mayor and council members. It is disheartening, yet I believe local government is where the public can have the greatest impact in changing its day to day life. From where parks are built to the cost of water, your interaction with local officials can make a difference. I participate in the decision-making in hopes of making that difference and if I fail, I take pride in the effort for my passion always has the public’s interest at heart.
My greatest concern is apathy. Overwhelmed by the system, the public withdraws as victims of the process. Astonishing, in our last local election in Morgan Hill, no one challenged the incumbents for council or mayor. Was it because they were well liked or that nobody wanted to put forth the effort? No doubt, government is overwhelming. It’s not simple. Making a difference takes effort, time, meetings, readings and even letters to our local paper. Government is slow, convoluted, and at times I feel it’s lost within itself – but what’s the alternative?
Get involved, even become a commissioner, attend meetings, participate and write a letter or two if you choose. During the first few minutes of every Council meeting, the public has an opportunity to address Council. If you have an opinion, an objection or a solution, let others know. Government is not easy. I believe we have a duty as members of this community to participate in this cherished democratic process – for without participation we can not ever complain for the decisions made.
Now for this week’s critical opinion – the library. Some time ago this Council ruled against the recommendations of its consultant, Councilman Steve Tate and the Library Commission to move the library to a new location. Location was a critical component for state funding. The state’s preference was for a location that was accessible, centralized, and adjacent to public activity.
Cost was also a factor – costs where higher to keep it where it was as opposed to moving it to another location. The Council said no. Two library commissioners resigned in protest over
Council’s action: After phased opportunities for funding – the state has rejected Morgan Hill’s request for the second time. Council also failed to set aside contingency funds or plans in the event the state failed to fund. The potential loss is millions, which could lead to a much reduced library that can not meet current and future needs.
Years ago and again recently I wrote on this very issue. While our library remained unfunded, I objected to the millions being spent on a competitive aquatics facility and millions more on a second and redundant swim center within the new multi-million dollar sports complex. I challenged our priorities for we will have a budget-draining pool for competitive adult water polo long before we will have a vital library serving the greater needs of our children. All is not lost, Council still has one more opportunity for state funding. In hindsight Council is now considering a change in location. That was the recommendation of the Commission over two years ago. Go figure.
Britton is closing its pool due to disrepair. What a shame. Many of our city/public pools in other communities are built on school property. Cities sharing resources in serving a greater community is done everywhere. Unfortunately, our local leadership has no such relationship and now we close one pool near the center of town as we build four others at its outskirts that are over budget and can not financially sustain themselves. What a loss, and what a cost.
Mark Grzan is an active member of the Morgan Hill community and a current member of the Green Belt Advisory Committee. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear on Tuesdays and Friday.
