Will Elk Grove’s Singh-Allen, Brewer stand for District 2 constituents and oppose SB423 or muzzle themselves?
Is Elk Grove run by the California Democratic Party or Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen?
One of the many subplots of the Oak Rose affordable housing project is partisan politics involving Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Democratic City Councilmember Rod Brewer. The two longtime friends and Democratic party members are being squeezed by District 2 constituents vehemently opposed to the supportive affordable housing project and the Democratic Party, which supports this and other similar projects statewide.
Those following this story know Singh-Allen and Brewer decried the loss of local control during recent meetings. Aside from the fair housing lawsuit filed against the city by Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta, two pieces of legislation have gummed things up for Singh-Allen and her four councilmen – Senate Bill 35 and its follow-up Senate Bill 423.
SB 35 has paved the way for the proposed Oak Rose project in Elk Grove’s Old Town Special Planning area, to the chagrin of Singh-Allen and Brewer and their District 2 constituents. SB423, awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, will extend the liberalized approval procedures statewide until 2036.
“Gag order, is that a legal order or a political order? I would sure like to know. Last I looked, they represent the citizens in District 2 and Elk Grove residents.”
Randy Bekker on Elk Grove News
During the September 27 city council meeting, Singh-Allen and Brewer decried the restrictions placed on them. Singh-Allen castigated Elk Grove’s representatives (see video below), past and present, in the Senate and Assembly, saying they should know better given their respective pedigrees in local government.
As reported on Friday, high-ranking California Democratic party officials have ordered Singh-Allen and Brewer to muzzle themselves. Specifically, they have been told not to speak ill of SB423 lest they suffer the political consequences.
Mr. Randy Bekker, a prolific commenter on EGN and defacto spokesperson and point-person for the Oak Rose opponents, noted on Friday:
“Gag order, is that a legal order or a political order? I would sure like to know. Last I looked, they represent the citizens in District 2 and Elk Grove residents.”
Mr. Bekker’s point cannot be overemphasized as the Elk Grove City Council again hears the Oak Rose project during two closed and one open session this week starting tomorrow morning at city hall.
How will Singh-Allen and Brewer respond, especially when confronted with questions about SB423? What if an Oak Rose opponent presents Singh-Allen and Brewer a petition against SB423 and asks them to be the first signatories?
Will they sign the petition to verify their opposition to the legislation and a sign of goodwill to the constituents? Or will they value their future political future and ignore their requests?
Have Brewer and Singh-Allen spread the word to Oak Rose opponents to muzzle themselves and not discuss SB423? If so, the Democratic Party would have censored the two plotting politicians and played the affordable housing project opponents like puppets.
Conversely, if someone asks Brewer and Singh-Allen about SB423 during a meeting, how will they respond? Chances are they will respond by not responding, which shows they succumbed to Democratic party demands.
Understandably, this could be naught. When Singh-Allen and Brewer reconvene from their closed session tomorrow, Mayor Singh-Allen could announce the city will not defend the lawsuit, effectively getting herself, Brewer, and the rest of the city council off the hook.
Things might be clearer tomorrow or not.
