Letter: Candidate Grego weighs in on the issues

I have read a number of candidate statements and articles about their hopes and aspirations for our community. I applaud each candidate that is running for local office; the challenge is getting their messages to voters.

I must say, however, despite all of the objectives that the candidates seek to achieve while in office, they are missing an important point. It is not only what you want to accomplish, but how to do so.

My history of involvement has spanned decades in our community and the positions that I have taken are of public record.

I believe many candidates are of the opinion that the actions of the City of South Lake Tahoe is an extension of the Will of the Council. I say only sometimes at best. Besides dealing with all interest groups that seek legislation, project approval, or others that seek benefits from the City, many candidates as well as elected officials ignore or don’t recognize the role that the City staff has in the development and implementation of City policies, programs, project approvals, and legislation. Staff defines the issues, Staff creates many of the priorities, Staff provides direction, Staff controls the facts presented in their reports and Staff, for the most part, creates the agenda for Council action.

So what happens? A project is proposed and with the influence of project proponents, the Staff become convinced of the merits, prepare staff reports for Council to support the agenda item, the proponents are provided a sufficient time to make presentation and with planning in support, are present at the Council meeting. This can all happen before the Council has even considered whether such a project merits an agenda item or the council may only become aware of the project when they receive their agenda package on late Thursday for next Tuesdays Council meeting. And what of the public’s role? Here the Council is not only faced with momentum for approval, but the public is only allowed to speak for three minutes in an attempt to express approval or disapproval. Comments are received, but most likely, staff recommendations are adopted by the Council. The foregoing example may not occur every time, but occurs much too often.

The Council gets so wrapped up in their interaction with Staff, and controlled by the agenda, that the People that elected the Council member are forgotten. For example, for a good number of years, the People have sought a ballot measure for the approval of the Loop Road; while the only real action regarding ballots measures by the City has been proposals to raise taxes (i.e. Measure S).

I have not avoided taking a position on issues, whether supporting affordable housing, making our community Fire Safe, or supporting our essential services. But what separates me from the rest of those running for office is the realization that the City itself is another special interest group advocating their own needs and desires. What is good for the City Government is not necessarily good for the People.

If elected, I will work to make staff more advisory. I will enlarge the public’s role in the governing process. I will require that the agenda package be released at least two weeks before the hearing. I will diminish the role of advocates and the planners that too often dominate the proceedings.

Election after election, promises are made, but seldom fulfilled. Can you honestly tell me that this Council is any different from past councils? Or have the players changed, but “music” remains the same? I have an insight from my years of local government and my understanding of the Law, to be able to make a change that will modify how our local government makes decisions. That is the difference between me and the other candidates running for office. If you feel that we need to change the way government does business, then vote for Bruce Grego. VOTE FOR SOMEONE THAT WILL VOTE FOR YOU.

- Bruce Grego, Candidate for South Lake Tahoe City Council