Vice Mayor, Teacher Discusses 'Transparent Government'

Submitted by Cheryl Cook-Kallio--

When I was new to the council in 2006 a former councilmember complimented me on a vote, but also said, “I wish you had said more about how you arrived at the decision”. I was being careful not to talk too much. Her comment caused me to reflect on what transparent government means.

Councilmembers, as a group, are prohibited from talking about agenda items outside the public process. The Brown Act allows for two of the five to talk but seeks to prevent a series of conversations with each other that influence a vote prior to the public conversation. Written and email correspondence, as well as information submitted by stake-holders are all part of the public record. The entire council then must makes sense of this in full view and on the record of what is before us. Any agenda item should be vetted as part of the public process, hearing a staff report, inviting public comment, and then engaging in a critical thinking conversation that hopefully results in sound decision making. 

This critical conversation becomes even more crucial with a new council. We all receive the staff report a week or so before the meeting. This gives us time to review it. Often we will hear from interested parties and have individual meetings; I will visit the site, by myself or with others.  

Seeing the project site helps me better understand the issues, however each council member approaches the gathering of information differently.  All of these bits of information come together at the council meeting when the real discussion takes place. It is imperative that we ask the questions of staff and then listen to the public and each other to enable that give and take.  

There are three reasons why a councilmember asks a question.  The first is to clarify information. 

Equally important is to ask questions or make comments to make sure the information is reflected on the record. Lastly, it helps our community understand how we balance competing interests to arrive at a decision that serves the best interests of Pleasanton. 

Sometimes it may feel like we are spending too much time on something. However, the decisions we make have the potential to affect thousands of people for generations. Sometimes our decisions cost millions of dollars. It helps all of us to hear our thought process out loud, especially with a new council. In the long run it will help this current council to better serve the citizens of Pleasanton. It is what we were elected to do.

Cheryl Cook-Kallio has served on the city council since 2006. She is currently in her fourth term as Vice-Mayor.

Editor's Note: Did you know the city council meetings are available to watch online? Find the meetings by clicking here. To view city council agendas, click here. An agenda of upcoming meetings, can be found here.

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