tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post1357327139634888914..comments2024-03-28T13:11:43.470-07:00Comments on Elk Grove News.net: Opinion - Democracy Starts, Thrives When Practiced From The Ground UpUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post-16486105374203520192013-01-19T16:27:31.315-08:002013-01-19T16:27:31.315-08:00Anonymous 14 January, 2013 08:20, your comments, t...Anonymous 14 January, 2013 08:20, your comments, too, are well said and well taken and the essence of Democracy. The crux off the matter is whether any one really cares about what's right after they succeed in being elected or reelected to public office and there is where change really needs to start. We appreciate your opinion good, bad or indifferent, agree or disagree. <br /><br />P.E.A.R.L, is a Sacramento County Advocacy Group who believes in political ethics, accountability, responsibility and leadership. P.E.A.R.L., continues to address concerns through the organizational acronym to ensure political ethics are being addressed. tbwbhcchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03190848480569384050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post-58065326232156343622013-01-14T08:20:21.408-08:002013-01-14T08:20:21.408-08:00Not knowing whe "PEARL" is, I am a litte...Not knowing whe "PEARL" is, I am a litte concerned about replying to an op-ed that isn't penned by a true identity. That being said, this person does have a true grasp on the founding fathers intent and hope for all future elections. Elections are scared. They are why over 5,000 Americans have died in this 10+ year war. This is why we fly our flag on Memorial Day. Do i WANT to spend the 500,000? NO<br />Do i BELIEVE it's the RIGHT thing to do?? Yes. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post-33797146091186256512013-01-12T16:40:54.168-08:002013-01-12T16:40:54.168-08:00Conceivably, Elk Grove voters could find ourselves...Conceivably, Elk Grove voters could find ourselves in this same predicament every two years. With what has transpired over the last few weeks, at the last council meeting, it is apparent that something is very broken. The voters put the new system in place and we must correct it. <br /> <br />A new question needs to be put on the ballot. Though the wording has yet to be vetted to make sure it is constitutionally correct in a general law city, the crux of the question is this: "If a sitting council member runs for mayor mid term, after declaring their candidacy, he or she must immediately announce their intent to vacant their current council seat, freeing that seat for same election." <br /> <br />Elk Grove voters will rise up when they understand we could be paying an extra $500,000 every two years. Others are strongly advocating for a special election, no matter what, saying they are being denied their rights under a democracy. <br /><br />With a new law in place, every member of the city council would be duly elected even if only on the council for two years.<br />Connienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post-64122372205591874722013-01-12T12:49:29.286-08:002013-01-12T12:49:29.286-08:00Elder Statesman and former president Jimmy Carter ...Elder Statesman and former president Jimmy Carter recently said we have one of the worst election processes in the world right in the United States of America, and it’s almost entirely because of the excessive influx of money. He describes this as “financial corruption” which threatens our American democracy. I agree with Statesman Carter's opinion. Right here in Elk Grove two of our sitting council members ran unopposed this last election. Could it be the campaign war chests are intimidating? I know individuals living in their districts who would like to serve the community but choose not to because indeed it takes a great deal of money to run a viable campaign and they were not interested in endless fundraising. When I ran I chose as a platform campaign finance reform to bring to light the amounts of monies being spent on campaigning and I walked it by not accepting any donations. I wanted this addressed by our council. How about it? Limits don't necessarily "limit" free speech. <br />LynnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-693256921060044086.post-67293527185690427702013-01-12T12:31:41.812-08:002013-01-12T12:31:41.812-08:00While it seems the City charter was originally int...While it seems the City charter was originally intended to skirt the prevailing wage law for public contracts (remember we are business friendly, the heck with the unions!), I wonder if our fearless leaders now regret putting this elected mayor (and for only a two year term) and mayor gets to choose all board members on the ballot. The council vacancy replacement process by appointment with four members in a bitterly divided partisan environment is like playing tic tac toe. If you know how to do it right, it always ends up a tie! <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com