2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
At this time, members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on the agenda within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced.
I am providing these public comments because I must speak up on how badly Ms. Barrios was treated at the last city council meeting during the discussion of the PILOT program which she placed on the agenda.
The actions by some of our Council leadership on that matter and so many others raises legitimate concerns about our future.
If telling the truth costs you your job (or a volunteer role given on behalf of the community for free), the problem isn't your honesty. It's the culture. A healthy city government does not require silence to survive. It does not confuse loyalty with compliance. It does not punish discernment, those in the minority, fair questions, or conscience. When fear replaces honesty real abuse has already taken root. Plus, credibility is compromised. True leadership should create safety, not intimidation. If people are scared to speak up that is not unity. That is control.
I am providing these public comments because I must speak up on how badly Ms. Barrios was treated at the last city council meeting during the discussion of the PILOT program which she placed on the agenda.
The actions by some of our Council leadership on that matter and so many others raises legitimate concerns about our future.
If telling the truth costs you your job (or a volunteer role given on behalf of the community for free), the problem isn't your honesty. It's the culture. A healthy city government does not require silence to survive. It does not confuse loyalty with compliance. It does not punish discernment, those in the minority, fair questions, or conscience. When fear replaces honesty real abuse has already taken root. Plus, credibility is compromised. True leadership should create safety, not intimidation. If people are scared to speak up that is not unity. That is control.