City Council Public Administration

¶ … City of Pomona City Council Meeting The city of Pomona is in the process of re-vitalizing itself as a strategic location in the Pacific Rim for businesses and industry. Concurrently, as the City is greatly involved in improving these standards and opportunities for growth, the City Council must also attend to issues relevant to the people of Pomona. As it were, February 10th's City Council meeting fielded comments and issues from the general public during a brief one-hour public meeting.

On February 10th, 2003, the City Council meeting commenced at 7:00pm for the public. The council meeting itself began at 6pm in the Council Chambers. Various points and issues regarding the city of Pomona were addressed, despite the Rt. Honorable Mayor not being in attendance. Because of this, points 1, 2(a), (b), 3, 8 and 9 were not brought into discussion. A select few individuals - namely Marcos Robles, Elliott Rothman and Paula Lantz, dominated the agenda setting process for the city council.

It was notable that George Hunter and Edward Cortez were not present as they were attending another important meeting. Other council members did not involve themselves in discussion or raised points. It was interesting to observe that their absence did not hinder business conduct. Process was democratic throughout the meeting, and on all matters, allowed for public participation. During the meeting, staff and members of the public audience were free to give input on many occasions and the council willingly fielded many issues and questions.

Nevertheless, Daniel Rodriguez and Norma Torres did not share their opinions on raised issues. Elliott Rothman and Paula Lantz most often responded to questions, comments and votes. I think it is important for public discussions to take place in open meetings as it encourages involvement in community issues, programmes while demonstrating the democratic process.

Individuals are also given the opportunity to feel confident in their position in society and feel assured they have done their part in improving standards of the city and the quality of life available to all citizens of Pomona. It facilitates public awareness of current issues being faced by the city. Unfortunately, I did not witness any evidence of "groupthinking" since two council members were not responding to public questions or concerns, and two key council members were not in attendance.

"Groupthinking" often results in a created plan being formed by a group of individuals, or proof that the collective is involved. During this meeting, it was difficult to see any of that occurring. I am sure the City Council of Pomona usually exercise "groupthinking" as is necessary for a council to perpetuate city resolutions, plans and votes. I feel due to the brevity of the meeting, coupled with the Mayor's absence, Council members Hunter and Cortez's absences, such opportunities for "groupthinking" and detailed discussions were not able to take place.

As it were, only two council members responded to fielded questions, and comments. There is always a situation were City Council members could give way to the 'power' of their position and show aggression or a lack of interest towards the public's concerns and their comments. During this meeting, I noted the few council members in attendance were equally respectful towards fellow council members and the public attendees.

They empathized with raised issues, particularly a substitute teacher who asked the council for help as he was going to be unemployed for at least six months. The council members were polite and informed him that the City Council was not the place to raise such grievance, but rather the school district. Council member Paula Lantz offered that the substitute teacher attend the School-board Meeting.

Some key points made during this meeting, were 5(a) where Paula Lantz raised the issue of a requirement for a map for the future, as well as a specific address. In the Agenda's point #4, Linda C. noted Adminstration Clerk, and Isenia G. On Jailers and Police Explorers. Point #10 addresses the postponed 6pm meeting on Febraury 24th, 2003. This was one of the few occasions where Norma Torres responded. She stated she wasn't willing to attend a.