City should lose some boards and commissions

Diane Lenning

Regarding the discussion concerning boards and commissions in

Huntington Beach, I’d like to offer another perspective. Some have

stated that the boards and commissions are the voice of the people.

Also that these groups assist the staff and council in their duties.

In all likelihood, they are in reality just more entities to manage,

control and incur expenses.

My observations have been that whenever the council does not agree

with the findings or recommendations of a commission, they are simply

disregarded. If the City Council does agree, this mechanism is used

as “a mouthpiece of the people” and as further rationale for the

council’s agenda.

Not only does this cumbersome and bloated government facilitate

inefficiency, and costs taxpayers more money; it also excludes the

voices of those citizens who disagree with the council and thwarts

opposing opinions. This power base is a built-in mechanism of the

decision-making process for council members, to be used or

disregarded at their whim. The only course left for opposing

viewpoints is often the three-minute speech at council meetings, the

local newspaper or letters to the council. There is often little time

or resources to mount effective support for opposing viewpoints.

If the council cannot make decisions based upon their own personal

knowledge and expertise, city staff input, personal research, various

paid studies, current governmental agencies and input from citizens

in various fields of expertise, we have elected the wrong persons.

Exclusive of the Fourth of July board, there is a need for one

other major commission. The “hear all commission” that intakes items

from all areas of the current existing boards. Needs of the community

change over time. It is often appropriate that some commissions and

boards sunset. My vote is for a Fourth of July Board and a Citizens

Review Commission.

Commissioners could appoint volunteers to help them in their

position, only if necessary. This Citizens Review Commission could

have a member responsible for an area to each of the current existing

board designations, continuing to represent these areas of concern.

When citizens have concerns regarding an issue, there is a

commissioner to address. After all, the City Council votes in

opposition to the Planning Commission when it deems such a vote

necessary. This Citizens Review Commission could give much valuable

input to the council at a great reduction of time and expense when

compared to the current model; allowing for a streamlined government

and a reduction in costs to taxpayers.

Let’s get the DARE Program back. Saving young lives is a higher

priority.

* DIANE LENNING is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to

“Sounding Off” e-mail us at [email protected] or fax us at (714)

965-7174.