”
If I thought there was any hope of seeing this council work
together, I would vote for it hands down,
”
City Councilman Dion Bracco opined at the body’s Feb. 2
meeting.
”
But I don’t see that ever happening, and I don’t think we should
waste $6,400.
”
1. Leadership in tough times is certainly not about giving up
“If I thought there was any hope of seeing this council work together, I would vote for it hands down,” City Councilman Dion Bracco opined at the body’s Feb. 2 meeting. “But I don’t see that ever happening, and I don’t think we should waste $6,400.”
Well, there’s nothing quite like throwing in the towel. Perhaps each member should look into the mirror and, if that’s the conclusion – that there’s no hope – sit down and pen their letter of resignation. What’s the point? There’s no hope. Certainly there’s no hope for leadership coming from that perspective.
Bracco is right on one point: spending $6,400 in the midst of a stone-cold city budget crisis for a let’s-work-together session with a human relations consultant is hardly the path to enlightenment – or endearment with the electorate.
2. A few suggestions that will save $6,300 and might do some good
So, what to do? Has the Council approached local get-along guru Sam Bozzo. He would likely facilitate a session for free or a minimal charge.
But what might be even more effective is the Council agreeing on a little homework while at the same time supporting the local economy.
Ann Marie Guinn, the manager of the newly opened Garlic City Books downtown, has kindly provided some titles which could help the Council at least get to a point where personal politics are not driving public policy.
Apparently, the Morgan Hill Council used the last title, “Getting to Resolution, Turning Conflict into Collaboration” with success.
3. Vote to extend the Council terms by one year looks even worse now
This is not advocating disingenuous 7-0 votes, mind you. Civic debate and disagreement is a cornerstone of our government.
But intense polarization and the underlying incivility that comes with it need not be a part of normal deliberations.
It’s ironic at this point that “The Council Without Hope” voted 4-3 to put on the ballot a city charter amendment that extends their own terms by one year. A bad idea then which is looking a whole lot worse now.
The ultimate remedy for the public, of course, is to vote the current dysfunctional Council out of office. But Gilroy voters will have to wait an extra year to throw the rascals out. If the Council can’t get its collective act together, that’s assuredly what will happen.
Resources for the City Council
-“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” – Patrick Lencioni
-“Leader to Leader-Enduring Insights on Leadership” – Frances Hesselbein & Paul M. Cohen
-“Leadership for Dummies” – Marshall Loeb
-“Getting to Resolution, turning conflict into collaboration” – Stewart Levine
Source: Garlic City Books
