Transparency In Local Government:Protecting Your Community Against Corruption - Western City - December 2010 - Sacramento
Dear Friends,
I have decided to get back to updating my blog now that the election is over. I find this article in the California League of Cities December issue of "Western City" to be timely and insightful. The revelations and shockwaves sent from the City of Bell cause us to pause and take stock of our responsibilities as public officials/servants.
From the article, "Engaging the Public in Commuity Decision-Making:" What steps can a public official take to create external support for public service ethics and decision-making grounded in the public's interests? An active and engaged community helps, which is why former Supereme Court Justice Lous Brandeis observed that 'the most important political office is that of private citizen.'"
I hope you will take the time to read this article and share it with other Costa Mesans. There are many practical ideas, much food for thought, in the article.
wl
3 comments:
Wendy, the fact that you posted this article and still have your head in the sand on the fire and police contracts amazes me! You sound just like the City of Bell when you try and justify why the average Costa Mesa Police officer makes $150,000 a year in salary and benefits while my street cannot get paved and my son's after school program is cut. You just don't get.
Phil, I would be very happy to meet with you and explain the many details including legal aspects that I considered when I made my two votes that caused such controversy. Do you understand the laws regarding negotiations? Do you understand the many consequences of not voting for a negotiated "side letters"? Let me know and I will meet you at Mimi's with my batch of paperwork. It will take awhile but I am happy to make the time and then listen to you criticize my vote.
Pension reform at the local level is not as simple as some think or it would have been done by now in other cities. Why should we make our city the lab for pension reform? We did have pension reform--reasonable pension reform. That was the verbal committment I made to the OCGOP. Our employees are all working very hard at their jobs as we speak. It was a fair process and our employees deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.
Also, if you let me know the name of your street I will look into the repair issues.
Post a Comment