Blog: Thank You, WISSPA: Transparency in Action

WISSPA, or Women in South Pasadena Political Action, is very obviously an organization with an emphasis on women and still a fairly new group. So why do I like them so much? Because they advocate for two things that I believe in very much and think are high priorities, Transparency and bringing a diversity of voices to South Pasadena Political Actions.

Transparency was a big buzz word in the last South Pasadena election cycle in 2011, and is something that needs constant attention. Even once we have good people in place who adamantly believe in transparency, external vigilance is necessary. Current Mayor Pro-Tem Marina Khubesrian has said that “sunlight is good medicine” and I agree with her, but when we are busy or distracted, clouds can sneak in, and even if they aren’t obscuring the sun, they may creep around the edges or make things hazy.

Even good people can become distracted or overwhelmed and even at times not realize that the information that is easily available to them, is not quite as well disseminated to everyone else. This happens to me at times, and is likely some of the most common causes of lack of transparency. I was reminded of this call to action, that WISSPA espouses, this last weekend at the celebration of South Pasadena’s 125^th birthday while talking with a WISSPA member and then afterwards while chatting with my wife. My conversations reminded me of WISSPA’s focus on transparency, and that just because I know something, doesn’t mean it’s known to everyone.

So as long as WISSPA continues to bring more transparency and openness and a willingness to ask questions that make our City work in a more open and fair manner, they are a beneficial addition in my book.

Thank you WISSPA, keep up the good work.