For the first time, to my knowledge, Councilmembers Kristin Gaspar and Mark Muir seemed to be thinking for themselves. This vote didn’t appear to be pre-scripted, as was the case for the “surprise interim policy change” re mayoral selection to be for a two year term . . . surprise because the two year term alternative wasn’t mentioned on the agenda, a clear Brown Act violation. Public discussion had been closed, and there was no subsequent Council discussion after Stocks made his second substitute motion, which, if upheld, would have the effect of once again skipping over, for mayor, Teresa Barth who has been elected and re-elected by the voters . . . She has an informed, well-educated and aware following who have often felt disenfranchised by the actions of Council majority, who repeatedly have shown disrespect and discourtesy to both Teresa Barth and Maggie Houilhan.

One of the public speakers, during oral communications, pointed out with great veracity, how Council Members are often talking to one another, or whispering to the City Attorney, or the City Manager, when public speakers are at the dais. This is hard to see, usually, if one is watching from home. We citizens certainly do deserve respect, and Council’s full attention.

By his casting the only nay vote, against what surely should have been a “no brainer,” Jerome Stocks seems to be allowing his position of authority to go to his head, clouding his rational thinking. To me, Stocks comes off as being more competitive, and often cruel, than compassionate about the public’s wishes, or passionate about the public trust, including the trust public servants hold, as a duty and an honor, to be transparent, to be courteous, and and to be kind.