Get over it, and get on with it! The Monte Sereno City Council has devoted far too much time and effort in recent weeks to the issue of a resolution affirming fundamental human rights in reaction to the USA Patriot Act, an issue that has little to do with life in Monte Sereno.
Three different times the matter came up for discussion at a council meeting before a resolution was finally passed last week by a 3-2 vote.
Similar resolutions have been passed in other towns and cities, including Los Gatos. The vote affirms the council's support of basic human rights and the protection of civil rights and liberties for residents, based on a concern that the Patriot Act might infringe upon those rights.
It's the old theory—fill the potholes and maintain the tree ordinance, and the residents will be pleased with the efforts of its council representatives. But leave the national issues to politicians at the national level. Improving the quality of life for Monte Sereno residents should remain first and foremost among the council's concerns.
It almost appears to have been a bit of grandstanding on the part of Councilwoman Barbara Nesbet, who championed the resolution at the council level. After all, Nesbet has thrown her hat in the ring for a run at the California Assembly in the fall. Maybe its coincidence, or just a case of bad timing, but Nesbet kicked off her campaign for state Assembly District 21 last week, at the same time the resolution was before the council. Such an issue of national import could certainly provide the candidate with a higher profile than simply dealing with those basic issues a council member faces in a small city like Monte Sereno.
Mayor David Baxter and Councilman Mark Brodsky voted in favor of the resolution after some last-minute revisions.
Vice Mayor Erin Garner had the right idea, though. He indicated that the council should leave such issues to those bodies that deal with partisan politics, and that the council should concentrate its efforts on matters more important to the city. He added that residents had said to him that "we didn't put you in office to comment on the activities of our president's administration." Isn't that the truth!
Councilman Curtis Wright voted along with Garner in opposition to the resolution, adding, "We are a nonpartisan body, elected to take care of our city." And when council members step beyond those bounds, it can present a distraction to their primary function.
Still, the resolution passed by the 3-2 vote, and the residents of Monte Sereno can breathe a deep sigh of relief that the council passed a resolution that will have virtually no impact on their day-to-day lives. The civil rights and liberties for the residents of Monte Sereno are safe once more.
Such concerns are important, of course, but it just doesn't seem that should be the job of a city council. City councils should deal with city issues and leave the national issues to the folks in Washington, D.C.
