Mayor Responds to Committee's Queries

Mayor Mary Sessom issued a response to a community group’s queries Wednesday afternoon, clarifying some points and attempting to shed light on how local government operates.

The citizen’s group, which has offered wide-ranging criticisms of City Hall, continues to question how the city manages its operations. They also have requested interviews with public employees in a quest to act as an oversight committee.

The latest effort of the self-formed panel, established last spring in response to dissatisfaction with poor street conditions, was a six-point questionnaire sent Monday to Sessom and the City Council asking for information on a variety of topics. Questions range from pension funding and the role of the finance director to street maintenance and organizational charts.

Headed by Jack Moore, a longtime resident of Lemon Grove and property owner, the six-member Citizens’ Oversight Committee consists of Ivy Westmoreland, Lou Melendez, Bob Holaday, Steve Browne and Robert Jones. 

The group formed in early 2011 with a desire to take a close look at the city’s Public Works Department. Its plan was to review projects and programs related to street maintenance and repairs.

Sessom noted that the council will consider next month whether to address objections raised by the committee regarding management of the sanitation district.

She also appeared to be confused by the group’s goals, noting at one point that Councilwoman Mary England and City Manager Graham Mitchell had met with them regarding street conditions.

“I’m not clear on what sort of response you are seeking,” she wrote.

For a full list of the group’s questions, and Sessom’s response, see the media box.