There is no question but that I?ve said this many times, that the greatest danger to our form of government, local, state and national is public apathy. Because of this, the organized minority groups with specific and often detrimental agendas control the money and the governance of the apathetic majority.
Let me give you some suggestions on how you can become involved.
First, get to know what form of government we have in Foster City. Our general law city government is well described in the ?Foster City Community Guide? that is distributed to each and every home during the Spring of each year. Also, I will have extra copies with me when I am out in front of the Library on the first Sunday of each month.
Next, be an informed voter. I know a lot of material comes to your home prior to each election but it is important to study it, especially the pro?s and con?s arguments about the many propositions. Then seriously question the real and hidden purposes. It?s your money that someone else wants to spend.
Why not join one of our ten citizen advisory committees. These committees have two purposes. First to represent the people in our community and advice City Council of concerns, wishes and directions our citizens want to convey. The second purpose is to involve more of our people in the activities of our local government. Contact City Clerk, Therese Tahir, at 286-3253 and she will provide you with all the information you need.
Now, let?s extrapolate our thinking a little further. Why not run for City Council? Take it from me, the rewards are magnificent; it really makes you feel like ?This is my home town? and ?I am glad I?ve accepted the responsibility of membership in our community.? It?s such a grand feeling to ?belong? in a community. Again check with Therese for information on how to pursue this.
For those young people who have a career concern to become involved in government, there is the ?California Senate Fellows? program. This is an opportunity for college graduates to serve as full time legislative aids for 11 months beginning in October 2003. This is a program for those that have a strong interest in public policy and politics. For additional information, contact Daniel Friedlander at (916) 278-5408. I also have additional information so you can call me at 573-6468.
But, and this really is the bottom line for you to start ?getting involved.? During January and February, the City Government will conduct public discussions of our proposed 2003-4 policy calendar. What this is, is an identification and discussion of what we would like to accomplish during the coming year, with your money I might add. These meetings will be held on Saturdays from 9 am till mid-afternoon. Coffee and donuts will be served in the morning and we?ll have a lunch at noon.
It is an enjoyable time getting to know those who work for you in our government and you will get a much better understanding as to how our government works and how we spend your money.
There will be ample notice distributed to make sure everyone is informed as to time and place.
And finally, why don?t you and your family tune in to Channel 27 on a 1st or 3rd Monday of a month at 7:30 pm and watch your City Council in action-LIVE!!
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