Kathleen Crawford, 2nd Vice-Chair, PCDCC
Does local government matter? It depends on your perspective, of course, but there is a great deal more happening at the local level that impacts your life directly. Most media articles are focused on state and national elected officials but the place where democracy hits the ground running is your local elected officials.
Depending on where you live in Placer County, you may have a local water, fire or utility district as well as school board districts, city councils and the county Board of Supervisors. There’s even an Airport District in Placer County (surprise! to me but you learn a lot by joining the Campaign Services Committee). Many of these offices are lightly contested but some are quite heated and controversial - especially school boards currently. In addition to elected officials, many citizens are appointed by elected bodies to Planning Commissions, Utility Commissions, Mental Health Commissions and Senior Commissions. Most of these meetings are also available online.
In addition to learning what controversial items are on the agenda, it’s important to note the many “non-controversial” items which may impact local zoning, development, outreach and most quality of life issues. I can watch and note which local elected officials are asking questions and or responding to the public comments submitted by their constituents. This informs me on whether I would support the re-election of this local official or should look closely at an opponent at the next election cycle.
One upside of the pandemic is that many of these elected bodies are streaming their meetings with the recordings available online to be viewed at your convenience. Each agency has a local government website so that is a good place to start.
Personally, during the pandemic, I have been following the Placer County Board of Supervisors (twice monthly on Tuesdays during the daytime), Placer County Advisory Redistricting meeting (schedule available online), Roseville City Council (twice monthly at 6 pm on Wednesdays) and the Roseville Independent Redistricting Commission. Agendas are posted several days ahead of public official’s meetings to comply with the Brown Act public notice guidelines.
Unfortunately, the number of voices at any public meeting is often low. This means that your voice carries enormous influence! Use your observations and viewpoints to show our elected officials what their Democratic constituents want from local government. Join me by adding your voice!