“Life as a Councilmember”
August 1998
 

Years ago I used to play my guitar and sing a song entitled "The Times They Are A'Changing". Well, this fall after four years of City Council stability, the times really are "a'changing," with three new people serving. Kathy Smith's unexpired term will be filled by appointment in September, and new people will be elected to replace Dodie Williams and Bill Roalman for full four year terms. This is the largest change I can remember in my 42 years association with the city. I'm sure Mayor Settle and I share the same hope that new members will be as courteous and respectful of staff and fellow councilmembers as we have enjoyed for the past four years. We will certainly be looking for those characteristics with our September 8 appointment.

What's it like serving on the City Council? To start with, there is lots of reading, with an average of two regular meetings and a study session each month, and with a dozen letters, articles or reports in our inbox every day. Our last agenda (July 21, 1998) contained 10 consent items, 11 business items, several communication items, several liaison items, and three items at executive session. The agenda report was over an inch thick (both side of pages), plus supplemental handouts. The meeting began at 4 pm and finished at 11:20 pm, with deli sandwiches being brought in during executive session.

Councilmembers are designated to be liaison to 8 city committees, 13 special purpose or technical committees, and as representative to 19 county/regional committees. All of the assignments require some time, however the SLO Council of Governments, the SLO Regional Transit Authority, and the Integrated Waste Management Authority, which are technical Committees with full agendas every other month, require many hours.

At City Council meetings we hear testimony from the public on most items, usually hearing well-reasoned arguments on both sides of each issue. We are guided by our General Plan which contains 11 separate element documents. These are periodically updated after much review and discussion. We are all influenced by our vision for the city and our philosophy regarding growth.

In preparation for meetings I read every word in the agenda reports with a marker pen and post-its in hand to be used for emphasis and ready reference to critical points. I often make field visits or meet with staff or interested citizens prior to meetings. I stop by City Hall every day for an hour or so to keep up with current issues and concerns. All in all, my councilmember time commitment averages around 25 hours/week, including civic functions, Chamber and Downtown Association activities.

With this much time commitment, why does anyone want to do this? It surely can't be the money. At $800/month plus some benefits, the Council is relatively well paid as council salaries go, however many of us could earn several times that amount were we to follow our business or profession for an equivalent number of hours. Is it the fame or honor? Highly unlikely. (That reminds me of the man who was to be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail. His remark was, "If it wasn't for the honor of it, I'd just as soon skip it.")