Both Councilmembers Natalie Arroyo and Kim Bergel stopped by and said hi to me before the meeting. I congratulated both after their win and I think they are a class act to reach out and return the gesture.
I have only attended one meeting since the new Council members was sworn in. I noticed small differences and wondered how much of that had to do with it being an all woman council. There were strong opinions expressed but any political differences or points of view seemed to be more toned down, at least in expression in front of the public. It was very empowering to see five women on the council.
My two favorite quotes were from Councilmember Bergel. One was during Councilmember reports and she noted that there were some improvements at the PALCO marsh. She added, "well as long as you focus on the East side." The other was just a spontaneous comment during the medical cannabis ordinance discussion. To paraphrase Councilmemeber Bergel, she said something to the effect, we talk and talk up here, I want to see some action!
The other memorable quotes of the evening were from resident Minnie Wolf. Commenting on the medical cannabis ordinance, she said it was "normalization of unhealthy, risky behavior. " She also felt the current "laws are not strict enough" and "drugs being legally approved does not make them less dangerous."
Public meeting enthusiast Kent Sawatsky said that "people who grow in the hills want to keep cultivation in the black market". He is also the second person I have heard mention the developer and grower marijuana connection.
If I'm not mistaken, there was another citizen, during the public comments on the Homeless Housing issue, that demanded the council take action, finally, rather than continue sweeping problems to future meetings. I actually had to review, watching the online video posting of the City Council meeting this morning, in order to confirm that there were other citizens that recognized the 2 newest member's desire to take action.
ReplyDeleteMarla, I already did another post on public comment the night of the meeting at which I was present. Only 1 speaker during public comment, Xandra Manns, spoke on the homeless and 3 other things. She was the only one to speak on the homeless. The other citizen spoke on stop signs. There was a local pastor, an invitation by a Eureka Women's club member during public comment and public comment by a speaker on rails and trails and Eel River Disposal.
ReplyDeleteThis post is on my memorable and favorite quotes of the evening. That is when Councilmember Bergel made the comment about talk and action. Councilmember Bergel's comment had nothing to do with the homeless.