I live in a small town in Northern California. I’ve given back to my community as a volunteer, planning commissioner and councilmember, currently serving as Brisbane’s mayor.
Although I am a registered Democrat, my position on the City Council is nonpartisan. I don’t think of myself as a politician, but rather a public servant. It doesn’t matter to me if someone is a Republican or a Democrat, or no party preference. They are all residents in our city, so my job is to listen, do my homework, and make smart policy decisions with my council colleagues on behalf of everyone.
As councilmembers, we don’t always agree, but most of the time we do. Sometimes we have heated discussions on topics that we’re very passionate about, ending in a split decision. No one likes to be on the losing end, but you dust yourself off and move on to the next topic because it’s not about you, but rather the people you serve.
What I see in Washington is heartbreaking because there doesn’t seem to be a lot of public service going on in Congress. I believe most who run for office do so intending to improve the lives of their constituents; however, along the way from being a candidate to serving in the role, something often gets disconnected from the people they are supposed to represent.
Many people I talk to feel both parties are focused on calling out one another, rather than being committed to finding common ground policies that benefit all Americans. Who doesn’t want a healthy community, a well-paying job and quality education for their children? When you get right down to it, the vast majority of Americans all want the same thing from government: efficiency, accessibility and responsibility. A system that supports each American to be the best version of themselves.
We put our faith in Congress to enact policies that help all communities to thrive economically, feel safe and build a sense of pride for where they live. To be committed to the rule of law, so that all Americans are treated with respect and dignity. That government is accountable to the people of the United States, with the primary focus of improving the lives of all citizens.
I would like to see Congress address the following items in a healthy and constructive manner. To weigh the pros and cons, seek ways to find common ground, and then ultimately create legislation that can be voted on by the entire Congress.
• Establish a tax system that ensures everyone pays their fair share, including corporations;
• Invest in early childhood learning and public education at all levels;
• Make access to quality health care a right;
• Establish common sense campaign finance laws;
• Create a living wage and update standards that improve the rights of workers;
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• Invest in America’s energy independence;
• Enhance the quality of our environment and public land;
• Reform the powers of the president so that all branches of government are balanced;
• Enact legislation to make housing more affordable;
• Invest in our roads and infrastructure to make them safe and efficient;
• Strengthen the safety net for seniors so they can age with dignity;
• Support rural communities based on local needs and feedback;
• Support urban communities based on local needs and feedback;
• Address the needs of our veterans; and
• Establish term limits for members of Congress and federal judges.
Congress owes it to the American people to spend our tax dollars fairly and appropriately, to invest in our children’s future, respect the Constitution and pass legislation for the betterment of all citizens. We live in a large, diverse country, so we’re going to have our differences — and that’s OK. Democracy is at its best when we put down the sword, and strive to find the common good that includes all of us.
Cliff Lentz is a member of the Brisbane City Council, and currently serves as mayor.
You make a critical point: "along the way from being a candidate to serving in the role, something often gets disconnected from the people they are supposed to represent." I think money is a big reason for the disconnection, as shown by the overwhelming need for campaign fundraising and the associated web of lobbying, political action committees, dark money, and otherwise outsize influence of a very small but very wealthy sliver of society. The importance of each citizen's vote is thus limited to the election itself, but the overarching importance of the money flow starts even before the campaign and then lasts the entire term(s) of office. But how to fix this?
- Invest in early childhood learning and public education at all levels;
- Invest in America’s energy independence;
- Enhance the quality of our environment and public land;
- Enact legislation to make housing more affordable;
- Strengthen the safety net for seniors so they can age with dignity;
- Support rural communities based on local needs and feedback;
- Support urban communities based on local needs and feedback;
- Address the needs of our veterans;
- Invest in our roads and infrastructure to make them safe and efficient;
Sounds all very great. All these very inspirational goals could and would be helped a lot with installing a network of bike lanes within Brisbane and connecting to neighboring cities. It's very bi-partisan and benefits all ages and all abilities. With the price of new and used vehicles, even poorer senior citizens and veterans would benefit. Housing would be instantly more affordable if we remove the cost of transportation (aka parking) from the calculation. Democrats have paid millions to think tanks to come up with the same solution I just mentioned.
So how exactly is the bike lane network situation on major streets in Brisbane, Mr. Public Servant Lentz?
He is posting a laundry list of issues that we need to resolve. But, since there are too many to tackle that are most important, our leaders need to prioritize. Politicians are swayed by external interests and will never be up to the challenges that we face. It takes persons with steel hardy determination to break that mentality. His is simply a Santa Claus wish list.
Thanks, Mr. Lentz, for your, as Mr. van Ulden describes, laundry list of issues. But there are a few issues which trump everything you’ve listed. Such as reforming Democrats who put the welfare of criminals and terrorists over the American people - failing to honor their oath to the Constitution. How about addressing the need for women’s rights – especially in athletic competitions? Why do Democrats allow men claiming to be women to cheat women from their rightful places on the podia as well as competition spots and invading their safe spaces? And of course, the granddaddy of them all, finding a cure for Trump Derangement Syndrome. Until there’s a cure for folks hating Trump more than they love America, nothing you’ve listed is likely to be accomplished.
Thank you Cliff for a well written guest perspective. We’ve know each other a long time and I have always respected you and your service. Brisbane is lucky to have you as a mayor and long time council member.
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(5) comments
You make a critical point: "along the way from being a candidate to serving in the role, something often gets disconnected from the people they are supposed to represent." I think money is a big reason for the disconnection, as shown by the overwhelming need for campaign fundraising and the associated web of lobbying, political action committees, dark money, and otherwise outsize influence of a very small but very wealthy sliver of society. The importance of each citizen's vote is thus limited to the election itself, but the overarching importance of the money flow starts even before the campaign and then lasts the entire term(s) of office. But how to fix this?
- Invest in early childhood learning and public education at all levels;
- Invest in America’s energy independence;
- Enhance the quality of our environment and public land;
- Enact legislation to make housing more affordable;
- Strengthen the safety net for seniors so they can age with dignity;
- Support rural communities based on local needs and feedback;
- Support urban communities based on local needs and feedback;
- Address the needs of our veterans;
- Invest in our roads and infrastructure to make them safe and efficient;
Sounds all very great. All these very inspirational goals could and would be helped a lot with installing a network of bike lanes within Brisbane and connecting to neighboring cities. It's very bi-partisan and benefits all ages and all abilities. With the price of new and used vehicles, even poorer senior citizens and veterans would benefit. Housing would be instantly more affordable if we remove the cost of transportation (aka parking) from the calculation. Democrats have paid millions to think tanks to come up with the same solution I just mentioned.
So how exactly is the bike lane network situation on major streets in Brisbane, Mr. Public Servant Lentz?
He is posting a laundry list of issues that we need to resolve. But, since there are too many to tackle that are most important, our leaders need to prioritize. Politicians are swayed by external interests and will never be up to the challenges that we face. It takes persons with steel hardy determination to break that mentality. His is simply a Santa Claus wish list.
Thanks, Mr. Lentz, for your, as Mr. van Ulden describes, laundry list of issues. But there are a few issues which trump everything you’ve listed. Such as reforming Democrats who put the welfare of criminals and terrorists over the American people - failing to honor their oath to the Constitution. How about addressing the need for women’s rights – especially in athletic competitions? Why do Democrats allow men claiming to be women to cheat women from their rightful places on the podia as well as competition spots and invading their safe spaces? And of course, the granddaddy of them all, finding a cure for Trump Derangement Syndrome. Until there’s a cure for folks hating Trump more than they love America, nothing you’ve listed is likely to be accomplished.
Thank you Cliff for a well written guest perspective. We’ve know each other a long time and I have always respected you and your service. Brisbane is lucky to have you as a mayor and long time council member.
Welcome to the discussion.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.