Vague platforms make informed decisions tough
Two huge problems plague voters when they attempt to make selections in Yorba Linda’s biannual City Council elections, including the Nov. 4 race for three governing body seats.
First, too many candidates offer generic platforms with few specifics that don’t provide residents with information required to make knowledgeable choices for the city’s future.
For example, in past and current contests, common campaign refrains include “I’ll vote fairly on all the issues” and “My record speaks for itself” and, an all-time favorite, “I’ll study all sides of the issues and make decisions based on what’s best for Yorba Linda.”
But that’s what voters want to know before they cast their ballots—exactly what do candidates think is best for Yorba Linda? Contenders should provide details on how they’ll maintain the qualities of life so many families moved to Yorba Linda to enjoy.
Unspecific promises to preserve a low-density heritage were made by 2000, 2002 and 2004 council winners, but when they moved ahead with Town Center redevelopment, residents resisted with two successful petition drives and three straight election shakeups.
Second, some winners ignore or forget specific campaign promises they’ve made. A recent example of forgetfulness was a Jan Horton remark at a March council meeting.
Regarding a city equestrian facility, Horton stated, “I don’t remember ever promising to build a facility.” But former city commissioner Carol Cantwell held up a Horton mailer in which she pledged to “support building a cultural arts center and equestrian facilities.”
Of course, council members can change their minds, but they owe residents who worked to elect them, as well as all voters, explanations for post-election position switches.
Happily, this year’s election has a new wrinkle, an innovative first in the history of the city’s 23 council elections—a well-publicized and fully detailed 17-point platform.
Candidates Ed Rakochy, Nancy Rikel and Mark Schwing signed a “Contract for Yorba Linda,” posted at www.contract4yl.com, that takes specific stands on the key issues for good city governance.
If the other contenders address the topics raised in this document, voters would have a unique opportunity to make choices based on issues, rather than personalities, roadway signs, paid voter guide endorsements, computer calls and other less-informative tactics.
A FINAL NOTE
A sixth Town Hall meeting last week had the lowest turnout since the informal question-and-answer sessions with council members began last year. Just 21 residents joined four council members and 10 city staffers to discuss mostly policing and traffic matters.
Town Halls are held on fifth Tuesdays. Largest audience to date was 82 in July 2007.
First, too many candidates offer generic platforms with few specifics that don’t provide residents with information required to make knowledgeable choices for the city’s future.
For example, in past and current contests, common campaign refrains include “I’ll vote fairly on all the issues” and “My record speaks for itself” and, an all-time favorite, “I’ll study all sides of the issues and make decisions based on what’s best for Yorba Linda.”
But that’s what voters want to know before they cast their ballots—exactly what do candidates think is best for Yorba Linda? Contenders should provide details on how they’ll maintain the qualities of life so many families moved to Yorba Linda to enjoy.
Unspecific promises to preserve a low-density heritage were made by 2000, 2002 and 2004 council winners, but when they moved ahead with Town Center redevelopment, residents resisted with two successful petition drives and three straight election shakeups.
Second, some winners ignore or forget specific campaign promises they’ve made. A recent example of forgetfulness was a Jan Horton remark at a March council meeting.
Regarding a city equestrian facility, Horton stated, “I don’t remember ever promising to build a facility.” But former city commissioner Carol Cantwell held up a Horton mailer in which she pledged to “support building a cultural arts center and equestrian facilities.”
Of course, council members can change their minds, but they owe residents who worked to elect them, as well as all voters, explanations for post-election position switches.
Happily, this year’s election has a new wrinkle, an innovative first in the history of the city’s 23 council elections—a well-publicized and fully detailed 17-point platform.
Candidates Ed Rakochy, Nancy Rikel and Mark Schwing signed a “Contract for Yorba Linda,” posted at www.contract4yl.com, that takes specific stands on the key issues for good city governance.
If the other contenders address the topics raised in this document, voters would have a unique opportunity to make choices based on issues, rather than personalities, roadway signs, paid voter guide endorsements, computer calls and other less-informative tactics.
A FINAL NOTE
A sixth Town Hall meeting last week had the lowest turnout since the informal question-and-answer sessions with council members began last year. Just 21 residents joined four council members and 10 city staffers to discuss mostly policing and traffic matters.
Town Halls are held on fifth Tuesdays. Largest audience to date was 82 in July 2007.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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