Accountability to Constituents

By Carol Chase McElheney

Many Elk Grove residents believe that the current City Council is ignoring them.

I plan to have a regular weekly "chat" online, perhaps on the City webpage, where citizens can log in to listen or contribute, and get answers from me immediately. This will give people the opportunity to listen and talk without leaving their homes.

I also plan to host regular coffee get-togethers in local coffee shops to meet with residents to discuss the issues. "Meet and Greets" should not end after the election!

A citizens' advisory/oversight committee would also be a good idea, with participants nominated by the city residents and chosen by various neighborhood associations. This board could function as a watchdog committee to oversee City Council spending and conduct that might be contrary to the interests of the citizens.