Guest Opinion | Paul Little: We All Need to Pay Closer Attention — And Weigh In

It is easy to feel helpless and powerless when confronted by political realities today.

Sometimes it seems as if the special interests and loudest shouters get all the attention (and influence with policy makers.)

In Washington and Sacramento, the government (elected and appointed officials) seems unable to even sympathize with citizens, let alone consider the impacts their actions have on people’s lives or do what may be in our best interests. (It is debatable whether gridlock in Congress is good for us or bad for us.)

It could probably be argued that Federal monetary policy is really designed to maintain the wealth of the wealthy and prop up the stock market, not help people afford to buy eggs, gas and bread or pay the rent or mortgage.

In Sacramento the rush to pass legislation sometimes seems to overwhelm common sense. Why else do we need a state law that would abolish the Clear screening that allows holders faster TSA clearance at airports (SB Newman 1372). Do we really need a regulation that requires gender neutral toy aisles at large retailers? (We can’t just let toy and department stores sell as much as they can the best way they can?)

We feel powerless to influence lawmakers and regulators in Washington or Sacramento. (Though hearing from constituents does impact even Congressional representatives because they hear from so few of us.)

On a local level, there are plenty of obsolete, inane and useless regulations. (During my 12 years on the City Council I am sure I was responsible for my share of those-probably more than my share.)

The big difference is that level elected officials and staff are very receptive to concerns, comments and questions from constituents. (They don’t always like them-I know there were occasions where I would have preferred not to hear from constituents.) Those elected officials do listen and often have the ability to influence decisions and policies that directly impact you.

Don’t like the plan for your street? Have issues with regulations or costs? Want something different or want to express support for something? (Was there something I did while on the City Council that is dumb and should be changed?) There are simple ways to make yourself heard.

You can:
1. Attend a City Council or commission hearing when something that interests or may impact you is being discussed and decided. (The City posts agendas for City Council meetings here https://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/ . The commission meetings are posted here: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/.)
2. Email your city council member and tell them what concerns you (or what you may appreciate). or the department head with responsibility for making recommendations on decisions you may appreciate or dislike. (Contact info and communication links are posted on the City website for each council member.)
3. Want to have influence (and be a leader)? Volunteer to serve on a citizen commission. The only requirement is that you reside in Pasadena. City Council members appoint one member to each of the Commissions. Look over the commissions listed, see what might interest you and contact your council member to ask to be appointed. We need new faces, new voices, new perspectives-your voice to weigh in on transportation policy, city planning, arts and culture, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, recreation and parks and more. (These are citizen commissions, so there is not any expertise required. (All you really need is an opinion and the ability to absorb, analyze, reflect and opine on items before the commission. (In a lot of instances, the “everyman” perspective is much more valuable than the expert.)
4. Really want to put your foot in it? Run for office. It may seem impossible, but it is not. (You do not need to be rich, retired, experienced, politically ambitious, or a longtime resident. The only requirements are being registered to vote and submitting a petition with a few dozen registered voters signatures on it. (It does help to be able to absorb a lot of information, listen to input, sift through the garbage and render a decision that you feel is best for your constituents and the City.)

So what is on the horizon for Pasadena decision makers?

Rate increases: City staff is (or will be) proposing increases to the rates we all pay for sewer service, water and electricity. (The smallest, in dollar amounts, is the sewer rate increase that is teed up for Monday, May 6th. The others will follow.) Each requires a public hearing where individuals, organizations and businesses can express their opinion to policy makers.

Taxes, fees and charges: In May, the City Council will consider recommendations to the amounts the city charges for permits, licenses and fees. (This is not property tax, the State and County set those rates and the County Assessor collects those. This is dog license fees, roof repair permits, parking ticket penalties and much more.)

The city Operating Budget: Before June 30th, the City Council must approve the annual income and expenditure budget for the City of Pasadena. The budget determines where money is spent and how much. Want more park workers? Think the city needs to spend more cleaning streets? Would you like more activities for young people? Everything the city does is determined in the budget. (Which is why I enjoyed serving on the City Council’s Finance Committee for most of my tenure on the council. Knowing where the money goes and having a hand in shaping recommendations on expenditures can be a formidable benefit.)

Capital Improvement Budget: Prior to June 30th, and usually ahead of the operating budget, the City Council approves the budget that determines spending on improvements and repairs to city facilities, buildings, parks and streets. This is where the City staff recommends and the Council approves playground improvements, street repairs, building upgrades, new/replacement fire stations and more. It is where priorities on spending for sidewalk repairs, street light repairs or installations, Arroyo projects and much more.

Buildings and projects: Most large-scale projects or buildings need some form of approval. Notices are usually posted on streetlights and light poles to inform neighbors about something happening nearby. Notices of hearings on projects are often mailed to interested parties and affected neighbors. (When you walk the dog in the morning and see something taped to a pole, take a look. It may be notice of an impending project or change to something nearby that could make a difference in your area (or in your life).

Oh yeah, the Pasadena Unified School District and Pasadena City College are governed by elected boards (as well as volumes of rules and regulations passed down from the state and feds).

Please think about getting involved. Weigh in on one thing, many things (everything) so your opinion, your needs and your vision for the future can be heard and considered.

Be heard.

Your voice can matter (but only if you speak up).

Paul Little is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association. He represented District 2 on the Pasadena City Council from 1995 to 2007 and probably reads too many newspapers, magazines and novels (mostly mysteries).