The Democratic Process

Without having cable, I'm subject to watching shows when they are either on Hulu or available through Netflix on DVD.

I got caught up on all the episodes of Parks and Recreation, and I've been without for a few weeks and I miss watching a fictionalized account of public service, city bureaucracy, and Pawnee Town Hall meetings. 

The meetings in the show are hyper sensationalized, where every person in the audience has the most awkward or ignorant comment to voice to those who run their city.

The city council meetings are some of my favorite scenes in the show Parks and Re. I don't only get to watch the local democratic process unfold at the helm of Amy Poehler, I get to go to San Diego city council meetings almost every week. 

Lately, I've been at meetings and hearings that last 3 or more hours, covering issues from bidding out the city's landfill to a private company to altering the city's iconic Balboa Park. At these meetings between 30 to 100 members of the public have come to give their comments before the city council trying to persuade them to vote one way or another on the issue. And I, get to listen to every minute of their comments as I must stay to see the outcome of the vote by the council.

Honestly though, I find it amusing that I can patiently sit through one of these meetings, but there are certain movies I've never attempted to watch because of how long they are. The only time I get really cranky at long meetings is if they are special meetings, making them later than normal, or if I'm really hungry. 

I like to hear both sides of the argument being presented, and though often times many speakers will reiterate what the first one said, it's rewarding to see people come to these meetings and share their opinions. Sometimes, as I have to idly observe and make sure to capture both sides, I wish that I could stand up and give my opinion. This is purely one of the reasons I keep this blog. Hopefully I won't have to shut it down when I'm a real big-time journalist.   

Speakers from all over the map show up. You get the crazies that speak completely off topic, likening the mayoral candidates to Nazis, but ironically only the Jewish candidates. It's nice after a moment like that when the council president, who has listen to and give attention to every speaker unconditionally, follows up with a comment like "Well, that was uncomfortable." 

You get the regulars. One in particular has actually filed papers to run for mayor but will remain an underground candidate. I'm so fed up with the others he seems like a better choice everyday.  He passes out his one page plan on how to fix the city's structural budget every week while wearing a paled-colored leisure suit. 

The worst speaker I think I've ever seen was a representative from a large regional Biotech company who was arguing against linkage fees. She was chewing gum, and her speech was very similar to Amber's debate speech in the movie clueless; it was complete with the Valley Girl I-don't-have-time-for-this-shit tone.  

There are also the confrontations, usually between conflicting associations, that turn into blood baths. The taxpayers association against the municipal employees association on retiree health care, was priceless. I also thought the two women on the city council were going to throw down at that meeting as well. It wouldn't have been an even fight, one of them is smaller than me, and the other, is well, sturdy.

The best though are the kids and young people who get out there to speak up. A few months ago an 11 year old girl and her little brother sat through an entire meeting on the city's budget to give a testimony on how important their city sponsored swim team is to them; my heart swelled with pride.

Next week, a medical marijuana vote will be happening. I sort of wish I didn't have to write about it, so I could sit back with some popcorn and watch the drama unfold. 

Also, if you are ever interested, I'm always down to take a newbie down to a city council meeting. It will be fun. I promise. 

P.S. Please, please, please watch the video. It's fantastic.