That's right, local politics is alive and well in our little city that is sometimes ridiculed for its sleepy nonchalance. I am always struck, though, at how few people actually take advantage of the opportunity to participate in democracy at the local level. One person's enthusiasm and participation can make a difference at any level of government. The thing that makes the opportunity for influence more compelling at the local level, and particularly in Monte Sereno, is the relative lack of competition for that influence.

I have spent many nights at city council looking out on an audience of fewer than five residents. It's not like I don't understand the lack of attendance. I rarely came to council meetings before being elected. I couldn't have told you who our mayor was, unless it was Jack Lucas (a lot of people still think it's Jack). It was all I could do to vote.

We're busy people. And let's face it, many items on any city council's agenda are real groaners, to be endured—not enjoyed. As a result, most decisions are made by elected officials without much public input. We are certainly honored by the trust put in us, but I have to admit it would be nice to know what more of our citizens think about various issues. I talk to as many as I can, but it's not like we do polling (yet).

Then there are the dozen or so usual suspects who show up sporadically and are common at the dais. Regardless of their style, brash or polished or just down to earth, many have made a difference, and they have certainly had influence on city matters. The child-safety improvements in the Poppy Lane and Daves Avenue neighborhoods, the stop signs along Twin Creeks and Bicknell, the urgently needed work on Highway 9 safety improvements, and our beloved colon-cancer-awareness campaign that is now rolling across the county and the state, all are examples of results that individual citizens have achieved through their participation in city government.

Naturally, people don't always get what they want, and the most vocal opinions are not always the most popular. As an example, I have heard many arguments for higher fence heights, but even more arguments for lower fence heights, and I suspect most would leave them pretty much as they are. The net result is that they have stayed pretty much as they are.

Studies show that close-knit communities have lower crime rates, better education and healthier, happier families. We would like to embrace and empower our citizens who are eager to participate in our efforts to strengthen our community. If you are a resident of Monte Sereno who wants to make a difference, make your opinions known.

The Monte Sereno City Newsletter was recently circulated. There is a questionnaire that asks your opinion regarding our city character, zoning, annexation, building permitting and construction, fence heights, tree removals, your interest in WiFi and other issues. The questionnaire also seeks people potentially interested in serving on commissions we are currently considering forming.

One commission is the Monte Sereno Public Safety Commission, which might help the city with Highway 9 and Winchester traffic safety efforts, traffic and speed watch programs, crime watch outreach, crime and fire prevention and policy advice. Another commission is the Monte Sereno Cultural Commission, which might help suggest and organize special events such as our city barbecue, fine- and performing-arts events, music, wellness programs, colon-cancer outreach, senior and teen programs, heritage preservation and Steinbeck educational programs, among other things. If you would like to participate, this is a rare and limited opportunity to get formally involved.

If you don't have the time or the motivation to get directly involved, email us or write us with any concerns or suggestions you may have regarding the city. The council reads every single piece of correspondence sent to us.

Erin Garner is the mayor of Monte Sereno. For questions or comments, call the Monte Sereno City Hall at 408.354.7635 or contact Garner at 408.354.9112 or egarner@montesereno.org.