Thursday night at the Encinitas City Council meeting, the people spoke. The Council did not pass a poorly written, undemocratic ordinance instigated by Mayor Stocks, to change the way the mayor is selected.
With powerful statements about democracy, fairness, openness, and best practices, the public speakers and those who sent comments in advance, were able to push the Council to address mayor selection the right way. Looking at the earlier Council consideration on Feb. 15, there was no discussion of the concept proposed last night.
What the Mayor was forced to accept last night was what should have happened to begin with. If Council members want to advocate for a change to an elected mayor, then put that on the Council agenda, have staff prepare a substantive and objective analysis of alternatives, let the public engage in the discussion, and then if there is sufficient support, put it on a ballot and let the people decide if we should have an elected mayor.
That's how we should roll in Encinitas.
It's unfortunate that it takes such a massive pushback from the citizens to wake up the "leadership" of the Council so they do things the right way. This issue had no business being on the "consent agenda" as if it's a routine housekeeping item. The people know better. I applaud the Council for doing the right thing last night and listening to the citizens.
Let's keep that kind of public engagement going on this and other important matters. Thank you to all involved.
Check the EncinitasYouNeedUs channel on Youtube for clips from the meeting and other key discussions.
