Make Your Voice Heard – Come to a Council Meeting

December 6, 2018 12:45 PM
by Denise Anderson-Warren

This article originally appeared in the November-December edition of Seascape. 

The City Clerk’s Office provides support to the City Council and records Council proceedings; manages the City’s records and responds to public requests for information. Here’s the City Clerk’s point of view on how to get involved.

SANTA MONICANS WANT TO GET INVOLVED. WHERE DO THEY START?
A starting point is as close as page 12 of this issue of Seascape. Take a look at the list of public meetings and see if any of the Boards or Commissions look interesting. Or check out pages 6 and 7 for a quick peek at some of the Boards and Commissions.

IF A COUPLE OF THEM DO LOOK INTERESTING, WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
Visit smgov.net/boards to learn more about the meetings of interest. You can also download agendas to better understand what is covered at the meetings.

CAN RESIDENTS JUST SHOW UP TO ANY MEETING?
Absolutely, all Board and Commission meetings are open to the public.

DO THEY JUST LISTEN? OR CAN THEY GIVE COMMENTS AT THE MEETING?
Attendees are welcome to listen to the meeting, and but everyone who signs up to speak before Public Comment is closed has the opportunity to share their thoughts.

WHAT IF THEY CAN’T MAKE THE MEETING AT THE SCHEDULED TIME?
Not a problem. They can also email comments at their convenience in advance of the meeting date to the Staff contact located on the agenda.

DOES ANYONE REALLY CARE WHAT THE RESIDENTS THINK?
Very much so. In fact, the Boards and Commissions rely on community members to give them an idea of what they want and value. If community members do not relay what they want, the Boards and Commissions won’t know how to effect the change that members want to see.

NOW YOU’VE GOT ME EXCITED.
That’s exactly what we need! People who love our City and who will take the time to tell us what they think is best for it. Hope to see you at our next meeting! For more information, turn to page 12, or visit smgov.net/boards. 

Authored By

Denise Anderson-Warren
Director of Records and Election Services