Another issue to look out for and talk to your city councilors about is how Citizen and Stakeholder Advisory Committees are composed and selected and then run. There are some who would like to see a more citizen-only committee that brings in experts as guests who share information, but leaves citizens in charge of the plan and recommendations to protect and enhance the character of our neighborhoods and the town. Change, but thoughtful, purposeful change that benefits all.
Development likely to dominate in 2015
Lake Oswwgo Review, January 8, 2015 By Saundra Sorenson
Controversy has raged for more than a year over the redevelopment of the Wizer Block and, in a larger sense, the identity of downtown Lake Oswego. But as the City Council prepares this week to set its agenda for 2015, there are a handful of other projects that are likely to garner just as much attention and could play just as significant a role in shaping the city’s development landscape.
A major city-owned property is back on the market, and city planners are eying another prime piece of downtown real estate. Two major retail centers are springing up on Kruse Way — to be followed quickly by a new senior living center — and the city is hoping to build modern emergency-response and operations facilities that are more seismically sound.
All of those projects will be on the table tonight when the Council hosts an Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Adult Community Center (505 G Ave.). Councilors will be on hand to answer questions, hear concerns and gather input from the public before heading to the Holy Names Heritage Center (17425 Holy Names Drive) on Saturday for their own goal-setting retreat.
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The Town Hall at the ACC tonight is open to all to discuss what the public thinks are the most pressing issues the city should be working on in 2015. This is your chance to be heard! The format will be relaxed and very welcoming, so don't be shy.
Citizens should be in charge of advisory committees. Staff should be there to assist. With staff and consultants in charge, the staff drives toward the solution it wants and the consultants assist.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%. And I would change the definition of "stakeholder" to be "resident" or "citizen" since we have the biggest stake in the city's future. Business interests absolutely need to be considered and supported, but stakeholder/citizen advisory committees would receive input from other constituencies as part of their work.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt we need fundamental change in how citizens are treated in Lake Oswego. Even the SAC/CAC committee selection process is screwed up with staff hand-picking community members to serve. Some people get on committees because they hear one is forming and call staff. If you are not already an insider, you will not be asked to be on an advisory committee.
Please come to the Planning Commission meetings and speak in person to the commission about your concerns as they are the body responsible for citizen involvement. They WANT to hear from citizens!