"However, an ordinance that spelled out the responsibilities of MACs and provided for a combination of elected and appointed members would have been a better reform measure. That would encourage participation by residents of the neighborhood and still allow supervisors to choose people they trust will give them sound advice."

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Posted on Thu, Jun. 29, 2006
EDITORIAL

MAC reform flawed

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/editorial/14942765.htm

THE CONTRA COSTA supervisors, it appears, prefer an echo to diverse opinions from municipal advisory councils in unincorporated neighborhoods in the county. On Tuesday, the supervisors passed an ordinance that will end elections for MAC members across the county. Those who have been elected will be able to serve out their terms. But starting July 1, the supervisors will select all MAC members from unincorporated areas in their districts.

The idea behind the change is to standardize the way MACs are put together. Some MACs, such as the ones in Bay Point and Discovery Bay, have elected members. Most have appointed members and North Richmond has a combination of elected and appointed members.

The supervisors want all the MACs to follow the same rules, which makes some sense. Also, supervisors have been concerned that some MACs have operated as if they were independent cities instead of advisers for individual supervisors.

While it is true that MAC members' sole role is to provide community information for the district's supervisor, there is no reason why elected MACs cannot perform that function. The supervisors could have spelled out regulations that clearly defined MAC members' limited role without eliminating elections.

Elections can build community cohesiveness, and elected members are apt to have more diverse advice than ones who are selected by their supervisors.

We understand that supervisors would like more control over who serves them on MACs and would like MACs to perform an advisory role only.

However, an ordinance that spelled out the responsibilities of MACs and provided for a combination of elected and appointed members would have been a better reform measure. That would encourage participation by residents of the neighborhood and still allow supervisors to choose people they trust will give them sound advice.

We believe it is never a good idea to eliminate elections, even if they are only for advisory positions. Public interest in civic affairs is already too weak; it need not be diminished.