In part 1, we learned that our elected
representatives represented many more people than they did in the past.
In part 6, we read a compelling assertion that our country was in
decline, followed by the possibility of reversing that decline through
greater public participation in governance.
In part 10, we looked at a possible solution, namely, neighborhood
councils. In this concluding
part to the essay, we see how neighborhood councils might be of use in
Montebello .
During the campaign preceding the November 6, 2007,
elections in Montebello , candidate Giuseppe Veneziano, a long-time resident
and businessman, had an unusual plank in his campaign platform.
He invited people who learned, labored or lived in Montebello ,
whether a teenager, working adult or retiree, to help run city hall by
signing up for committees. He
listed eleven committees in a flyer. (More
information can be found at http://www.mymontebello.com/best_tc_motrti
.)
Nobody replied to his invitation.
Nobody. This, along with
an essay by former city councilor Robert Bagwell and the November airing on
PBS of the documentary “Democracy Left Behind,” tells me that we have a
crisis. (Do read http://www.mymontebello.com/life_tc_tfdod4.html
in this regard and see “Flashback Quarterback” below.)
If you do not agree that we have a crisis, then I wish
to hear your arguments, because, using lawyer’s lingo, I see a crisis beyond
a reasonable doubt, and this crisis is affecting the quality of life in
Montebello .
What can we do in Montebello
if nobody, other than our city councilors and city staff, is interested in
becoming involved in the ongoing governance of our city?
One can fashion a solution by answering these answers:
(1) how do we
“democratize” youth, so that they not only contribute meaningfully to
the governance of
Montebello
now, but, also, adopt a culture
which increases the odds that they do so when they become adults?
(2) how do we make it worth
everyone’s while to participate in the governance of our community, given
that time is scarce and traditional means of participation do not motivate
people?
(3) how do we underwrite the
solution without continual depending on any grantor, donor or agency of
government? Such continual
dependence is part of the operation of the neighborhood councils of the City
of Los Angeles , and I see such dependence
as an impediment to independence.
If this interests you, please be in touch.
project_teacher@mymontebello.com,
subject field “Democracy in Montebello .”
December 20, 2007