Last nights Council meeting was interesting and in fact educational. I missed the beginning but stayed tuned for the discussio0n of Urban Growth Boundary and the Sphere of Influence discussion by the Council members. Keep in mind that I am no expert on anything--just a Random citizen who tunes in on occasion to see how our governmentt is run. I care very much about sincerity and doing the right thing. I abhor devious manipulations. The Council discussed the "UGB" and questioned "Staff" whom by the way seem to be the experts when it comes to understanding the "Law" as outlined by the UGB. The "Law" was passed by the people of Novato in the 90's to curtail uncontrolled growth. A way fro forcing developers to go slow. Now there seems to be an actual mapped UGB and also a "Sphere of influence"--which I think is unmapped but is larger than the UGB. In addition Novato City Council and planning Department are completely separate from the Water District and the Sanitary district---and of course the County. So those 4 entities not being in unison and then separately or together in various forms attempt to "Govern" Novato and get along with --the alphabet Soup agencies--Lafco--ABAG--SMART---TAM--MTC--CEQA--and let's not forget--Caltrans and state influence--like funds that we can only secure if we play ball or sell out to the state's wish's. So understanding UGB/SOI (Sphere of influence acronym--why not?) in the context of all the agencies that want to influence Novato--as well as every other town in the Bay Area---is a daunting task. To capture this I will share a phrase I coined in my business----"Confusion means profit"---as long as you are not the one that is confused! So in the context of all the above--it was interesting to listen to the bantering before the inevitable vote to "extend the UGB and incorporate some clarifications and amendments by means of the Council only and not allowing the public to vote on any of the 4 options presented". The vote was as you might guess 4 to 1--with the hold out making completely logical sense by saying ---The public should have a chance to vote----there should be no amendments---changes can be handled in the implementation without affecting the wording of the current law--it is a "law" in force because the PUBLIC instigated it and the Council at the time JOINED the public in discussion and agreement--what a novel idea! Well The Mayor and the 3 remaining Council members held the power so we are going down the path of the Couincil deciding what is best for us. I myself have no opinion of whether tis better to Vote or not--without more education on the matter--which I fear we will not get on the present path.
What struck me though was that our Mayor seems to be reluctant if not afraid to share decision making with the citizens of Novato. His fear of a vote was based on the possible outcome--that it might not pass--that is exactly what he said---"What if it doesn't pass?" (O my God!)----- So to preempt that possibility he advocated bypassing a vote option and leave complete control of the matter in the hands of the Council. You might recall that the Grand Central Bus Station --Capable of carrying half the population of Novato in a single Day---is also completely in the hands of the Council--with NO---NO publec out reach---Citizens of Novato will be "Surprised", not unlike the neighbors of the new "Farmers Market " area were--because of NO outreach.
So for me what was most interesting was the distrust that our Council Majority have for the citizens of Novato. If in fact I am correct in this assumption then the image of layers in the photo above come in to play. If they do not trust us---do we trust them? Should we trust them? Where is the proof that our trust is placed in those that are in fact working in our best interest? What layers of personal agenda's are at the root of their distrust for us? Are they confident in their skill to sell us on an item so that we can truly become partners in progress and VOTE on what affects us----or do they fear that the only way to get their way is to railroad it thru? Time my friend will tell --I silenced my TV and went to bed---confused on whether as a group we were being bamboozeled in to Affordable Housing unit numbers far beyond our individual wish's or whether they were actually working in our interest. If we are to trust them---they need to trust us! For me all the more reason to have new blood on the County council instead of "Blue Blood"---Nobility of the Gang that brought you failed pensions and no fix!--Vote for Shroyer!!!!
