Marin does the public’s business with as little input from the pesky public as possible

Properly Subversive/Sherman R. Frederick

If you injected a truth serum into any Marin elected official, I believe they’d tell you that the comment period at public meetings is a waste of time, providing the illusion of openness, but illuminating nothing they didn’t already know or have discussed at length in private with staff or consultants in a non-quorum setting. 

That’s a bold statement, but, hey, I’m a bold columnist. The tell-tale sign that elected officials don’t give a rip about what the public says is evident in the fact that they arbitrarily limit the public to only 2 minutes.

If electeds felt they needed to hear from random members of the public, wouldn’t they allot more time? And while we’re on this line of inquiry, should all people be given the same amount of time? If some gadfly gets up and starts barking at the moon, cut the fellow off. But, if somebody gets up and actually makes a salient case related to the topic at hand, why not give her all the time she needs?

I know I’m barking at the moon myself (just a little bit) on this topic, because we all know how the public comment period has devolved in California and probably everywhere else in the nation. 

But, I bring it up today because one little town in Marin seems to have a good answer. 

Mill Valley moms and dads have set aside periodic nights for nothing but public input. Anyone can speak on any topic. They are allowed to speak not for 2 minutes or 3, but for as long as they want. A non-quorum number of Council members attend and interact with people and their concerns. 

People are allowed to ask Council members and staff questions. They answer the questions on the record. 

I think that’s a damn good idea. It shows that in Mill Valley, at least, public input is valued.

LOOK UP!

A recent survey drawing on data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) found that texting while walking is becoming the most common tech injury cause in the United States. Now you know. Also, look up!

WELCOME, MICKEY

On Jan. 1, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will enter the public domain. You can now, if you are so inclined, use them pretty much how you want without fear from the Disney copyright dragons setting fire to your home. 

COFFEE DATA

Since Marin is one of my fave spots to grab a Cup ‘O Joe, I am glad to report that a new study once again extols the virtues of the drink. I don’t often drink coffee and then go out to kick a soccer ball, apparently I’d be really good at it. Here’s the latest: 

“Caffeine is one of the most popular dietary supplements which has been shown to provide benefits during exercise, including football. Studies have shown that caffeine can enhance attention, accuracy, and speed, as well as self-reported measures of energy and mood,” says Dr. Pooya Soltani, a senior lecturer in games technology at Staffordshire University.

ONE MORE THING

– I got pulled over by the Mill Valley police today. I apparently was his first speeder of the day. When he got to my window he said: “I’ve been waiting all day for you.” I said, “I got here as fast as I could.” He let me go.

Until next week avoid soreheads, laugh a little and always question authority. 

“Properly Subversive” is written by Sherman R. Frederick you can reach him by email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)