Election is over--where do we go from here?
Yorba Lindans can expect the new City Council majority—slated to be seated Dec. 2—to quickly begin action on an ambitious agenda of municipal reform. Here’s some of what’s on tap for the coming months:
--An ethics policy with real teeth to bind the city’s elected and appointed leaders and top-level employees to principled practices, including a ban on campaign contributions from city contractors and limits on cash supplied by developers doing business within the city.
The past council’s reaffirmation of a forgotten 1972 ethics resolution was useless, since that policy didn’t prevent the 1990s “secret pay” or 2004-06 Town Center improprieties.
--Old Town redevelopment following principles recommended by the 24-member Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee under current zoning, rather than “bonus” densities of up to 15 units per acre listed in the 1993 revision of the 1971 General Plan.
A plan will be vetted in public meetings instead of the closed-door sessions with council members, top city staff and favored developers allowed by a past council. Also, look for several developers working on small projects, not just a single master-developer.
--An inquiry into questionable activities of past council members, senior managers and a developer with a city-approved exclusive negotiating agreement regarding the most recent Town Center redevelopment process to make sure bad practices don’t persist.
Of course, an investigation shouldn’t be a “witch hunt” to punish people who just made honest mistakes, but a look at activities that led to a breakdown of appropriate behavior.
--Close and more strategic examination of three revenue-hungry city responsibilities: policing, landscape maintenance and possible costly Black Gold Golf Course repairs.
Brea police contract expenses, water for the arterial and neighborhood landscaping zones and new golf course grass could quickly eat up the city’s sizable reserves, especially in a down economy. Independent, expert advice is needed to control costs in these areas.
--Decisions on cultural arts and equestrian facilities, probably using some form of public-private partnerships that would make these long-awaited amenities economically feasible.
A FINAL NOTE
Councilman Allen Castellano, who holds the city record for most votes received in a council election—16,879 in 2004—will be given a plaque recognizing eight years of service and two stints as mayor on the governing body at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
But more important, the retiring leader will be honored by colleagues and residents for his consistent application of core principles to all issues that came before him. Rare in politics, Castellano maintained integrity in both public and behind-the-scenes actions.
--An ethics policy with real teeth to bind the city’s elected and appointed leaders and top-level employees to principled practices, including a ban on campaign contributions from city contractors and limits on cash supplied by developers doing business within the city.
The past council’s reaffirmation of a forgotten 1972 ethics resolution was useless, since that policy didn’t prevent the 1990s “secret pay” or 2004-06 Town Center improprieties.
--Old Town redevelopment following principles recommended by the 24-member Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee under current zoning, rather than “bonus” densities of up to 15 units per acre listed in the 1993 revision of the 1971 General Plan.
A plan will be vetted in public meetings instead of the closed-door sessions with council members, top city staff and favored developers allowed by a past council. Also, look for several developers working on small projects, not just a single master-developer.
--An inquiry into questionable activities of past council members, senior managers and a developer with a city-approved exclusive negotiating agreement regarding the most recent Town Center redevelopment process to make sure bad practices don’t persist.
Of course, an investigation shouldn’t be a “witch hunt” to punish people who just made honest mistakes, but a look at activities that led to a breakdown of appropriate behavior.
--Close and more strategic examination of three revenue-hungry city responsibilities: policing, landscape maintenance and possible costly Black Gold Golf Course repairs.
Brea police contract expenses, water for the arterial and neighborhood landscaping zones and new golf course grass could quickly eat up the city’s sizable reserves, especially in a down economy. Independent, expert advice is needed to control costs in these areas.
--Decisions on cultural arts and equestrian facilities, probably using some form of public-private partnerships that would make these long-awaited amenities economically feasible.
A FINAL NOTE
Councilman Allen Castellano, who holds the city record for most votes received in a council election—16,879 in 2004—will be given a plaque recognizing eight years of service and two stints as mayor on the governing body at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
But more important, the retiring leader will be honored by colleagues and residents for his consistent application of core principles to all issues that came before him. Rare in politics, Castellano maintained integrity in both public and behind-the-scenes actions.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
<< Home