Political philosophy

By Miriam "Mim" Hawley

Good public process is the key to a strong democracy. Good process requires a civil dialogue among Council members, between Council and staff, and between Council and the public.

I strongly believe that good public process is the key to a strong democracy. At the City Council level, this means 1) a civil dialogue among Council members, between Council and staff, and between Council and the public; 2) ample notice of meetings and an allocation of time for the public to be heard, 3) a budget process based on the priorities of all Council members, after input from the public, that is accountable and sustainable, and 4) the political will to adhere to established rules, ordinances, and priorities.