Accountable To You

While doorbelling, putting up yard signs and talking to folks in Lakewood, one question has resonated with me.

“Will you always go along with what the City proposes?”

No, I will not.

As I see it, my responsibility as a council member is to represent all of Lakewood’s citizens.  In order to do that, I am obligated to question what city officials propose.

“Why do you say that?” one man asked me as we stood in his garage.

“Because you will elect me; City Hall will not,” I answered. 

“I will work for you.  That means I will question the city's decisions, and that I may not always agree with what they propose."

I pointed out that the first city council was created in Galveston, TX in 1903 because those citizens believed their city officials made decisions not in their best interests.

To change this situation, Galveston’s citizens elected a council to represent their concerns.

The idea of elected citizens acting as a check to municipal power is the point.  It is the belief in shared governance, a concept that a contract exists between Lakewood's municipal officials and the citizens its council represents.

This is a good, democratic idea. 

The man’s wife was not convinced.

“What exactly does that mean?” she asked.

It means, I told her, that as her city council member I represent her and citizens like her, not City Hall. 

“If you elect me,” I continued, “I will work for you."

I think the work of representation begins by listening to the concerns of those who live and/or work in Lakewood,  holding City officials accountable for their actions and decisions, and asking questions.

The demand for accountability – along with transparency – have consistently characterized my service at Pierce College, in the Air Force and on the numerous volunteer committees I’ve served on.

These principals - based on a reasoned line of questions - will be on full display if I am privileged to serve you on the Lakewood City Council.

My comments and voting record will be public record, accessible to all.

In walking the talk of accountability and transparency I realize that civic service is not easy; that there will be hard decisions ahead; and that not everyone will be happy with what I and the other council members make.

“But no matter what, I will listen to your concerns before making a decision, and then I will have the courtesy to look you in the eye and tell you why I made whatever decision I reached,” I concluded.

The woman seemed satisfied with my answer.

I trust you are too.