In first deployment of limited mayoral power, Singh-Allen seeks new members for Elk Grove Planning Commission
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2020/12/in-first-deployment-of-limited-mayoral.html
Near the end of the Wednesday, December 9 Elk Grove City Council meeting, newly installed Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen exercised her levers of authority and convinced fellow city council members to consider the reappointment of all five members of the Elk Grove Planning Commission.
The discussion occurred in a review of the city's various commissions and committees as required by state law. Although limited in power as a so-called weak-mayor, Singh-Allen's four city councilmembers agreed to consider new appointments to the planning commission.
As mayor, Singh-Allen nominates planning commissioners and other committee members who then are approved by the city council. The planning commission has five members.
Under former Mayor Steve Ly, planning commissioner appointments often became contentious battles with the mayor's colleagues blocking his recommendations. Ly had also had sought to remove former long-serving Planning Commissioner Frank Maita, who was appointed by former City Councilmember Sophia Scherman, saying he had become akin to a lifetime appointee.
"There is one commission that is very important," Singh-Allen said. "The planning commission makes very, very important decisions that relate to our land-use policies."
Noting there are no term limits with at least one planning commissioner who has served for almost 14 years, Singh-Allen said reexamining the appointments would "let others serve." She added that all five positions would be open for new appointments, with current commissioners eligible to reapply.
"We are charting a new course, we have a new council, a new mayor, and this commission is important, and the land-use decisions are very important," she said "I think it's a good opportunity to revisit and have those that are interested reapply."
She added she anticipates some of the current commissioners would be reappointed but said she wanted to reopen all the commission seats.
Vice Mayor Stephanie Nguyen asked city attorney Jonathan Hobbs if this was legal. Hobbs said all appointed commissioners and committee members serve at the will of the city council, so it was possible to appoint new members.
During their deliberations, councilmembers Pat Hume and Darren Suen voiced no objection to Singh-Allen's action. Councilmember Kevin Spease agreed but voiced concern as it related to the city's affordable housing plans.
The reappointment process is scheduled for the February 10, 2021 city council meeting. The city will post planning commissioner application information on its website.
Posts
5 comments
"...newly installed Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen exercised her levers of authority and convinced fellow city council members to consider the reappointment of all five members of the Elk Grove Planning Commission"...
Okay, we can forgive Madam Mayor because this was her first meeting. But in reality, those "levers of authority" are more like a Playskool steering wheel toy with sounds and lights for sale on eBay for $9.00!
In pulling that lever, she forgot to first check-in with the Boys of Granite Bay who wield the actual levers of power in the city. So for now, let her play with the toy steering wheel and honk the horn a few times. Her car isn't real!
Forget Granite Bay - I can't help but wonder how the old white boy network in Elk Grove who think they control things is reacting to Bobbie.
On one hand she tried to be one of them for years when she was cozying up to Sophia Scherman. Then as Sophia was dropped from the city council and political conditions changed in Elk Grove, Bobbie the Republican became Bobbie the Democrat. Is she a Republican pretending to be a Democrat or the other way around? Either way, she flexed her muscles the other night and the other four cowered like puppies with tails between their legs. She owns their butts now.
This is the first I'm hearing regarding this. I assume that would be all of those 5 appointed positions are to be terminated on December 31, 2020 and in February, 2021 new commissioners will be seated? Humm....there's just something terribly wrong with this if true.
Does this mean Planning is on hiatus for a couple of months?
I can't help but wonder if Ms. Singh-Allen has a pay to play scheme going on with this maneuver. As I recall, she received roughly $1,500 in campaign donations from Ms. Hollis Erb.
Ms. Singh-Allen could nominate Ms. Erb, who, by all accounts, is well-qualified for the planning commission but desperately wants an appointment. Still, if Ms. Erb is nominated and none of the city council objects, it will be clear - if you want to cull favor with Ms. Singh-Allen, donate to her campaign.
Can you say Betsy DeVos?
In other words, business as usual in Elk Grove.
Mayor BSA went on an on about supporting retiring Council member Steve Detrick from the beginning. I guess BSA forgot she supported Michael Leary back in 2008. Has BSA forgotten the allegations her husband and others publicly levied against Detrick at several 2010 Elk Grove City Council meetings concerning her actions while consulting for MV Transportation?
Politicians and their amnesia! Revisionism is alive, well and clearly on display as soon as the oath of office was taken.
Post a Comment