EGCC to discuss pursuit of Fed Money, 'Holiday' Tree at next meeting

Among several items on their agenda, the Elk Grove City Council will discuss the use of the phrase "Christmas Tree" versus "Holiday Tree" as well as the pursuit of Federal money at the first meeting of 2011 on Wednesday, January 12.

The council will also deliberate a proposed $3.27 million purchase of six compressed natural gas buses and consider the establishment of a citizen redistricting (reapportionment) advisory council.

According to official documents, the city will seek Federal assistance for project funding request for the fiscal year 2012. Those same documents commends California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein as well as Congresswomen Doris Matsui's advocacy of several crucial projects for Elk Grove's infrastructure needs.

The report does not list Elk Grove's Republican Member of Congress Dan Lungren, who has typically been a weak advocate for the needs of Elk Grove. At one meeting last year Elk Grove City Council members Jim Cooper and Gary Davis criticized then Mayor Sophia Scherman's support of Lungren who Cooper characterized as not supporting Elk Grove or the rest of California's Third District.  

Given the new Republican majority in the 112th Congress, Elk Grove's fiscal request are even more likely to fall on deaf ears given Lungren's adversion to advocate for the district. 

The council will also discuss the use of "Christmas tree" versus "Holiday tree" in city communications. The discussion comes a result of a citizen complaint that the city used the neutral "Holiday" tree in city newsletter.