Opinion | Mayoral Candidate Don Morgan : Better Oversight – and Better Outcomes

What do we need to have a better city government in Pasadena? It starts with all of us.

I’ve learned over two decades working with non-profits and local governments that the best ideas come when people are engaged and excited to find solutions that really work. I’ve also learned that Pasadena is full of people who want to be involved in strengthening their communities but don’t always feel as though their voices are heard.

That’s why a central part of my campaign has been to actively seek out those individuals and those ideas that will work to make this great city even better. I want to hear from residents on how we can create jobs, find more resources for our schools, improve public safety and expand transportation options. I’ve had people talk to me about everything from parklets in Old Pasadena to job training for workers to affordable housing for seniors.

And it’s not just talk – we know that greater civic engagement pays off when it is done well. But is takes more than going door to door to create structures for effective engagement. We’ve seen it in cities across the country that have opened up their budget processes to citizen oversight and have seen success with less waste and better outcomes.

Just about two months ago, we learned that a few city employees were allegedly able to steal more than $6.4 million in taxpayer money. We can prevent that from happening again through better accountability and transparency – and more civic engagement.

As a candidate for mayor, I’m committed to reaching out to residents to hear your ideas and building strong partnerships throughout this city. I’m holding online and telephone townhalls, community forums and door-to-door canvassing to hear from you. On Saturday, March 7, I’ll be hosting a working lunch where we can talk about the problems we face – and the opportunities we have to make a great city even better. You can get more information and RSVP online here – and if you can’t make it, feel free to email me at don@morgan2015.com.

As mayor, I’m going to keep it going – involving every person in Pasadena in a continuing conversation about how we can make the best use of your tax dollars and have a city government that’s a model for the rest of the country. I’m aiming high because I know, after having met with so many of you, that we can do some amazing things to impact our community. I look forward to working with you every step of the way.