Br. Anon. - Streamlined Gov't

I believe that streamlined local gov't provides as many, if not more, opportunities for meaningful citizens' participation. By this, I mean participation in policy matters rather than mundane matters. Why? Because policy making is focused in an elected city council, not a myriad of elected department heads each with their own particular agenda. Take a look at the old style county gov't. The elected officials are three county commissioners, a county assessor, a county treasurer, a county clerk & recorder, a county treasurer, a county sheriff, and a county coroner. That's 9 elected officials. Who has the primary responsibility for making policy for the entire county? Supposedly, the three county commissioners. What happens when a county sheriff does not agree with the county commissioners? How is the policy dispute resolved? Or, is it ever resolved? Have you ever heard of a citizens advisory committee to the county treasurer, or to the county assessor? The old form of county gov't was set up to take care of rural areas, not urban areas.
With the City and County of Broomfield, there will be 11 elected officials - 10 Council members and a mayor. More elected officials than the typical old form of county gov't. Citizens' advisory committees will report directly to the city council. This framwork provides an opportunity for more direct citizen participation. it will be up to us - you, I, and our fellow Broomfield citizens - to make it work.
Regarding City Council agendas, I got the impression - and I may be wrong here - that you may believe that citizens can only speak to non-agenda items. That's not the case. Citizens also have an opportunity to speak on any agenda item as it comes up on the agenda.
Also, as I mentioned before, Broomfield currently has many citizens' advisory committees. There will be even more with the City and County of Broomfield. You and I have a difference of opinion regarding the involvement of Broomfield citizens in their city government. I see extensive involvement and I appreciate it. Does this mean that I believe there has never been nor will there ever be any disagreement between our city council and a particular advisory committee. Of course not. But, sometimes disagreement is okay. It helps to clarify issues. On balance, I think our city council has done a very commendable job of leading our city during the past decade and has the abilities and commitment to lead us, with the assistance of citizens' advisory committees, into the next millenium. I would very much like to see you be an active participant in this.

By BBW

To BBW

I could dispute every area you have mentioned as the opposition has looked at these areas in detail.

What about the loss of political balance? What happens when citizens no longer have a voice over what corporate and economic interests are. If BF is so concerned about being in 4 counties then why didn't the city look at the feasibility of absorbing into one of the larger counties? This was NEVER explored. These larger counties have also set up satelite offices which correct many problems you mention. One county even promises to do this in Broomfield!

Advisory committee members are appointed by council. I think they should be elected positions because if council does not like you, you do not go on one of these committees.

And I will state it again, I have repeatedly asked you the same questions and you have repeatedly ignored them.

1. Put the NWP to a vote of the people, not to be decided by council's hand picked committees.

2. Was there ever a public hearing after the February feasibility study?

Only two questions that I ask you now and you still will not answer. This is a classic example of what we are talking about. You guys have too much political power already and do not answer to anyone.

By Joan

to BBW

". Vehicle Licenses. Many residents conducts this business through the mail, but not everyone does. If a Broomfield residents need to pick up a vehicle license, they must travel to Boulder, Brighton, Golden, or Greeley. With the City and County of Broomfield, all Broomfield citizes will be able to obtain vehicle licenses at the Broomfield Municipal Center. "

So what?? We have to travel to south Arvada to pick ours up, not a big deal in my eyes.



By Cheryl

There You Go Again


I have noticed that you become quite defensive, spout insults, and simply lose control whenever someone points out obvious concerns that you clearly can not defend. Your message suggests that CCACCC is not worthy to participate in this discussion. That reply, like most of your messages, is absurd.

By Adrian