A Role for Citizens in Local Government

 posted this comment Nov. 2 following comments by others on an article, "," which was published Oct. 28.

As Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee, I've been intimately involved with the climate action plan, the planning for the new recycling center and the updating of the animal ordinance. Our monthly committee meetings (the second Tuesday of each month) have been well attended by citizens from across the city.

The suggested changes in the animal ordinance were grass roots efforts by a number of residents encouraging the EQC to support their requests, which we did. The recycling center has already had a number of public comment type meetings/workshops as similarly will the climate action plan. There were about 13 to 15 folks, with many members of the EQC who did attend the last climate action planning meeting as reported on in this article.

I can imagine that lots of folks are cynical about these and other matters that the city gets involved, but there are many more who appreciate the efforts provided by such volunteer committees as the EQC on topics as far ranging as the ones mentioned. I remain convinced that the vast majority of El Cerrito residents are pleased that the climate action plan is being developed in an open, public and transparent process.

I hope that more citizens attend future workshops so they can become involved, informed and part of the planning and decision making process. The meetings, including the EQC's, encourage public comment in a fair, open minded and non-threatening context.

• Editor's note: The "Comment of the Week" doesn't necessarily reflect the view of El Cerrito Patch. It's chosen according to what we believe will be of general reader interest.