Observers Make a Difference
by: Anne Stone
The Observer Corps started over 2 years ago and is now observing the City Councils in eight of our sixteen Coast League cities. I want to recognize the members doing this incredible work every month.
- Susan Eaton
- Jan Dye
- Carol Fisher
- Olivia Gaddini
- Pat Hellig
- Susan Knight
- Chris Schechter
- Joan Thompson
Their reports are on our website, sent to the individual City Councils and, when appropriate, sent to other LWVOC committees. Our Observers also keep a look out for upcoming agenda items for the HAT and Climate committees so that they can be prepared to write letters and/or speak at a meeting. The City Councils do pay attention to our reports and we frequently get comments from the Council with a Thank-you or a suggested correction and we have seen some changes in behavior.
With both council members, and the public, expressing very diverse viewpoints and often with hostility, our presence is more important than ever. We know that there are City Council and School Board members who will not run again for office due to this hostility. Having the meetings monitored and reported on supports those that are continuing to strive for civility and to Make Democracy Work.
However, we are not yet a presence at all City Council meetings in our cities, and none of the School Board meetings within our area. If you have a few hours a month that you would like to volunteer in this very important League effort, contact Anne Stone at observercorps [at] lwvorangecoast.org
Congratulations Observers! You are truly amazing and You are Making a Difference!
