Monday Morning Bullpen: City Council Returns

After a lengthy break, the City Council returns on Monday. 

Two items stand out.

The City Council will vote to ratify the Monkeypox local emergency proclamation.

The local emergency allows the City Manager to take a host of steps to ensure public safety.

This one is a no-brainer and should pass easily.

The second item to watch sets up the process to appoint a new Council members in District 3.

According to a recommendation by an ad hoc committee, the candidates will get a 5-7 minute introduction, an interview process, including unscripted interviews by Councilmembers. 

The interesting thing here is the unscripted questions.

But get this: the ad hoc committee is recommending Councilmembers disclose if they have met with the candidates. (They are regarded as candidates to the City Council because the council is voting at the Sept. 29 meeting.)

According to a City staff report, Councilmembers must report these encounters in the name of transparency.

I like this, as long as everyone is honest.

It could shine light on someone trying to stack the desk. 

You know an elected official trying to convince someone to run for office. Reminds me of …. 

Oh nevermind. 

While interesting, I do have some questions. 

What constitutes a meeting and during what time frame and do phone or virtual meetings count?

Time will tell.

By the way, several people have asked me who I like in this process.

I don’t live in the District and the people won’t have a say for two years, so it doesn’t matter. 

But I do like the City Charter which mandates the City Council make a decision quickly.

Nice to see the City Charter winning in the process.

Miguel Márquez begins his time in the big chair at Council on Monday.

I spoke to him a few weeks ago at City Hall, good guy. He listens more than he speaks. 

He should be alright.