In checking out recent posts to the Café, I found the atmosphere a bit technical, so I’m going to try and open the window and let in the garden breeze a little. That’s probably because I’ve been spending a lot more time in my own garden recently where I’m tending 11 different varieties of tomatoes and chilies along with an abundance of flowers. Yes folks, the jasmine has come into bloom. There are definite benefits to being “retired” off the Planning Commission!
And then there was the cartoon in last week’s Reader by Neal Obermayer entitled “The Key to Mayor Sanders’ Reforms” that captured the quintessential San Diego malaise — a condition I have to say that has been the cultural norm well … forever around here.
Because all the sturm and drang in the Café matters not if your average voter doesn’t care or can’t find a way to understand what’s really going on.
What I’m wondering is if anyone other than policy-wonks and aspiring politicians actually care about anything other than the surface level divide created by Big Special Interests i.e. businesses v. unions, each of whom seeks to turn the apparatus of government to their own aims.
All of this goes on while most San Diegans are indeed at the beach — or enjoying their own backyards. Does anyone foresee any scenario where the people who simply try to live and work here without any lobbyists working on their issues have any improved representation?
Last time I checked, Mayor Jerry Sanders was letting appointments to citizen boards languish, in what amounts to be dismantling most citizen boards by attrition. When I last inquired about a replacement for me on the Planning Commission — a little bit more than a citizen’s board — I was told how difficult it is to get qualified people to serve. Sorry but that doesn’t wash. I know of several qualified citizens who would serve. The record shows it’s simply not a priority for this administration.
There’s a lot of political chatter about “The People” but I don’t see anyone (with the possible exception of Donna Frye (“Ms.
Seven-to-One” and Mike Aguirre — on his good days) who actually represents them downtown.
But does anybody really care?