By Marcia Fariss
I was appalled by the behavior demonstrated by several of our City Council members at the Dec. 20 meeting. Flagrant disregard for accuracy, denial of the public's right to express itself fully, and lack of respect for others was seen when the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative was being discussed.
Certain councilmembers exhibited open hostility and contempt for proponents of the initiative, who were attempting to correct erroneous statements and interpretations of the initiative (contained in the city attorney's and city staff reports).
During a particularly critical portion of the public hearing, a majority of the councilmembers were seen to be "tuning out." Because of time constraints, two speakers were forced into rapid-fire, detailed presentations that required the meeting attendee to listen carefully. Few on the council appeared to be even listening politely, let alone concentrating on the new information. In fact, one councilmember was rude and abusive, even accusing the speaker of lying.
Proper procedure during public hearings should include the flexibility to allow speakers additional time to present their views. Enforcement of the time limits is certainly required when a large number of people wish to speak; however, that limit can surely be set aside when only a few people request speaking time. After all, the council and staff spent an hour and a half in discussion; certainly they can allow five speakers more than 20 minutes to provide critical corrections and information!
Particularly galling was the apparent disregard for accuracy during the councilmembers' comments after the public hearing was closed. In deciding whether to adopt the initiative or place it on the March ballot, several councilmembers' statements contained inaccuracies. Additionally, nearly every councilmember used rhetoric designed to panic the city's voters.
As expected, the council chose to place the initiative on the ballot, rather than to adopt it. That certainly is their privilege. In fact, it will allow Saratoga's voters an additional opportunity to study the initiative and make intelligent decisions regarding its destiny. Unfortunately, it appears as if the City Council and the rest of the initiative's opposition has decided that the only way to defeat the initiative is to misrepresent it and use scare tactics.
Saratoga's voters should be aware that opponents to the initiative will do nearly anything to support developers' attempts to sacrifice our city's neighborhoods, low-density housing and open space. The oppositions' mudslinging, inflammatory rhetoric and false statements have already begun. However, be assured that supporters of the initiative will act responsibly to ensure that accurate information is available to the voters of Saratoga.
Marcia Fariss is a board member of the Saratoga Woods Park Homeowners Association.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, Wednesday, January 3, 1996.
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