My Response to a concerned Boulder Resident’s Questions about Public Engagement & Trust

Judy Nogg (a Boulder Resident) asked all candidates (both Mayoral and City Council - except for one or two whose websites or emails she couldn't find) the following question. I am sharing here (with her permission) as I think this question is an area of concern for many:

What will you do to help regain the public’s trust in Boulder government and improve the current process – including:  

a) How will you enhance public engagement? Public engagement begins with transparency, and accountability, and this is why I am responding to this question publicly. This gives people the opportunity to engage with the ideas, plan or concerns so they may be part of helping to create solutions. There are aspects of the role that I would be legally obligated to maintain confidentiality of (without a quorum of 4 other Council members), and there are things we can and should be discussing earlier, more often and without unnecessary barriers to participation.

b) How will you better utilize members of the community for problem-solving and consensus before departments create their own plans? I would challenge the word utilize, members of the Boulder community are partners, and you elected me (if you do) to help add more voices to the conversations. I would work with the community to talk trough ways towards resolution and solutions regularly. This is something I have contemplated, as some Council members hold office hours. I would work beyond this and host and/or participate in regular community discussion around topics of community intereest (which is everything). I also commit to listening to everyone, and making community informed, decisions - that does not mean everyone gets what they want or that everyone will be happy, but I will responsibly, actively, and regularly engage with the people I am elected to serve.

c) How will you increase the independence of Boards and Commissions so that they actually can be liaisons between the City and its residents? I don’t have the answer to this at the moment, I need to more clearly understand the reasons why there is a sentiment that that are not liaisons between the City and the residents.

This is also an example of how we build trust; through honesty, transparency and vulnerability. I am not afraid to not know something, I only fear the time I say I’ve learned it all.

I recognize that there was are many within this city that do not trust the officials you’ve elected to represent you or staff.

One of the reasons I am running is to bring more community-driven governance to how we operate as a city. I take the role of being an elected representative very seriously, and I know that becoming elected means being of service. So I will be available to you, I will listen, help you problem solve and carry your voices wth care and significance. I hope that we can (as residents of Boulder) work together to align our vision, values and interests in ways that foster trust, understanding, justice, equity and belonging.

It is not your responsibility, as a community member to give me or anyone your trust. It is our privilege as elected (prospective elected officials) to earn it.

Thank you Judy for emailing me with your questions.