The California State budget has been signed and we can now move forward. The final decisions by our legislators still put cities in financial disparity. I, for one, am tired of the unending rhetoric by both parties playing the blame game for the state of our State. Calls from local elected officials and concerned citizens went out to State lawmakers as the decision time was nearing the end. People from cities all over the State were trying to intervene on their city’s behalf to urge their legislators not to take away funds from local government.
The type of budget alterations that the Legislators decided upon will create uncertainty for the next few years. Long range planning for our City is very important; being able to implement that long range planning, essential. Last week this Council spent time discussing essential and non-essential services with staff. Since we are still not clear about the real impact that the State “funding take-away” will have, preparation for the future starts now.
What can we do to change the status quo? News articles have pointed to term limits as a possible contributing factor in this state budget debacle. While interested individuals on the local level are eager and dedicated to serve, they are restricted by term limits in some communities. Right now Foster City Council members may serve for two consecutive 4 year terms.
Given the long range planning needs and extenuating issues affecting our cities, the opportunity to serve an additional 4 years should be at the discretion of the voters. Being able to serve up to 12 successive years or three 4 year terms will have a more stabilizing effect on our community. It is the power of our vote that should dictate how long an official represents us.
While lawmakers on the State level are in disarray, it is important that the local level of government remain stable. The challenges are urgent and the stakes are too high to allow unfinished business to be neutralized by term limits. I understand now the time required to complete the work necessary to keep a community on course and planning for the future.
In the years ahead, our achievements will depend more and more on the continuity of the leadership. It’s time we change the status quo and keep the power with the people. We can start right here in Foster City and change the number of years a person can serve consecutively.
On the November, 2009, ballot vote yes for change with Foster City’s term limits.
I appreciate comments on this and other issues.
Email me at lkoelling@fostercity.org.
print 