DeMaio-Frye Reform Initiative
Posted by: Barry Jantz | 06/10/2008 6:33 AM
From yesterday....
DeMaio and Frye Propose Reforms to Policies and Structure of City Council
Bipartisan Effort Aimed at Improving Effectiveness and Rebuilding Trust
SAN DIEGO -Councilmember-elect Carl DeMaio joined Councilmember Donna Frye today in unveiling a bipartisan initiative to reform the rules and policies governing the San Diego City Council. The goal is to improve the transparency and effectiveness of the City Council in a Strong Mayor-Strong Council form of government.
"The City Council is long overdue for a serious overhaul," commented DeMaio. "With the City Council membership changing, we have a unique opportunity to reposition the City Council as a constructive partner in solving the city's financial problems."
"It is time to examine--in a truly bipartisan manner--the policies, structure, and operations of the City Council to make it a more effective and open legislative body," commented Frye.
In a memo outlining their initiative to Mayor Jerry Sanders and the City Council, Frye and DeMaio are committing to co-chair a six month study group to generate findings and recommendations for improving how the Council conducts business, manages legislation, and interacts with the public.
The study group will raise questions and generate recommendations in four key areas:
· Budget and Legislative Processes: How can the budget and legislative processes be reformed to position the City Council as an effective legislative partner in solving San Diego's financial and operational problems?
· Council Oversight: How can the City Council fulfill its duty to provide better oversight of taxpayer monies being spent by the city government?
· Public Participation: How can the City Council be a more open and transparent body?
· Presiding Officers, Rules of Order and Committee Structure: How can internal policies improve the decorum and efficiency of the City Council in its deliberations?
DeMaio and Frye will kick-off the study group by holding a number of "Town Hall Dialogues" across the city to educate and engage the public in the process of reforming the City Council. In addition to soliciting the input of issue experts and the public, Frye and DeMaio plan to hold at least two public hearings this fall to review findings and recommendations. The goal is to provide the incoming City Council with a comprehensive set of reforms to the City Council for consideration after the new Council members are sworn in on December 8, 2008.
DeMaio and Frye concluded: "It is our hope that this process will generate specific reforms that will enhance the effectiveness of the City Council as a legislative body as well as restore public confidence and trust in city government."
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Here is a link to the memo itself.
Judging from the press release and the memo, it looks like DeMaio has "co-opted" Frye into the reform coalition at least on open government issues.
I think this is smart for two reasons. First, he needs 5 votes for reform to succeed. that means he has to cherry pick. Frye may be the 5th vote on open government, maybe even pension reform.
Second, a bipartisan partnership doesn't please core D's or R's. None of us trust the others. BUT...it plays VERY WELL with DTS (Decline to States). If our side is going to win, we need to carr 85% of R's and a good majority of DTS.
DeMaio is doing the political math and branding reform to be attract a larger coalition outside of Republicans.
Who is playing who? And, does this inch Donna one step toward being Council President?
he didn't co-opt donna, this is her issue. she brought this to the table. sheesh
i agree with smart move. sounds like the last two posts came from C Street insiders.
guys, get over it. there's a new reform-era forming. your tired policies of the past got us into this mess. if you can't be part of the solution, get out of the way.
Well I'm not a C St. insider. Just a repubican voter.
I gotta admit. I was disappointed to see that DeMaio was very quick to be seen with surfer girl. I would have liked our new reformist to be seen with other republicans like Jerry and Kevin. One has to wonder if this new "bi-partisan" political machine is intended to undermine Jerry.....Me also thinks there is a hidden social agenda is at play here, that took advantage of the short commings of local party finances, to co-opt the SDRP, and bamboozelled the true conservatives in the process. Like I said earlier. It seems like the SDRP is availble for rent to the highest bidder.
Oh, can some of you guys who are so quick to praise DeMaio-Frye, explain to the activist base. Why we are supposed to hate Arnold in his bi-partisan efforts, and like DeMaio-Letherface? You had us the republican voter believing that ALL democrats were bad.......mmmmmnnnnnnn The average voter might think there is something sneaky here, with regards to "open honest government."