Editor, Westside Express;
Oversight, transparency and accountability are fundamental to our form of government.
Two-year terms for mayor are essential for maintaining oversight to local government affairs by helping to ensure he or she is being responsive to the voters.
Shorter terms improve public vigilance over local issues and provide for a more responsive local government and reduce complacency in office. Shorter terms provide voters with a ‘check’ on the progress or lack of progress on vital local issues.
Shorter terms provide voters a better opportunity to voice their approval or disapproval. Having to wait four years to replace someone who is being unresponsive or who has allowed themselves to be compromised by special interests and large campaign donors is too long to wait.
Recent changes to the recall process have made it virtually impossible to remove a non-responsive or poorly performing mayor.
Two-year terms help to provide the mayor with motivation and increased interest in understanding the wants and needs of the city and its residents. Consistency on projects is provided by a professional, highly experienced staff of department heads managers and employees.
Our vote is our voice. The more we use it the more transparent our local government will be. Shorter terms were designed for just that purpose.
Finally, voter interests are best served when voters have the ability to voice their approval or disapproval in short not long intervals. Mayors should welcome the opportunity to communicate with voters on an ongoing basis, and not just for elections.
Two-year terms for mayor are essential for maintaining the interest of the voter and keeping the local issues as the priority.
Voting NO on Measure H on March 5 will help maintain public oversight and accountability.
Refugio Llamas
Los Banos
Editor’s note: Letters to the editor of The Westside Express are welcomed and encouraged and may be sent via email to glieb@TheWestsideExpress.com.
