Sacramento Zoo to Elk Grove? Where is the local control by ‘We the people?’
By Connie Conley, Guest Contributor |
Recently posted on Elk Grove News was an excerpt from Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen passionately expounding on the importance of local control. I totally agree which is why, back in 2000, voters decided Elk Grove must become a city so that “We the people” control our city’s destiny.
What is at the heart of local control? Empower Missouri states, “The heart of the principle of local control is that the people who are closest to an issue should make the decisions related to that issue because they generally have the most information about the topic.”
That is never truer today regarding the possible relocation of the Sacramento Zoo to Elk Grove. While an admirable goal, one question remains, “What do, ‘We the people’ want”?
The only way to get the definitive answer to that important question is to put the question up to a vote of the people of Elk Grove.
Given the enormous cost factor – over $300 million for the first phase – shouldn’t the people of Elk Grove decide if we want to take on such a debt. Yes, it is nice the city is holding public meetings.
However, in reality, how many people actually attend those town hall meetings? If the question is staring back at you on a ballot, would you pencil in, “Yes” or “No?”
Every member of the Elk Grove City Council has been entrusted with our vote. We must insist on political integrity and we must speak out against our city council acting in their own self-interest at the expense of the people they serve.
Is that happening here?
So, what would be the cost for “The Question?” According to the city of Elk Grove Clerk’s office, it would only be $13,000. Given how the council spends money, it is petty cash.
That amount equates to 12 cents per voter based on 115,000 registered voters. Shouldn’t the city spend 12 cents per voter before taking on $400,000, and probably more?
Like Missouri, the Show Me State, the city council should “Empower Elk Grove.”
In closing, regarding the potential zoo, here are five words for the five Elk Grove City Council members, “Let, WE THE PEOPLE, decide.” That would be ultimate local control.
Either the city council truly believes in local control, or they don’t.
