by Lisa Jensen
I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of ensuring a diversity of voices are heard, that residents have equal footing with folks whose job it is to educate our elected or appointed officials. There’s no environmental discourse here today, just a request to help everyone become a better advocate for their community.
I have the honor and privilege of serving on San José’s Planning Commission and the Envision 2040 General Plan Task Force. The first time I sat in front of the Planning Commission I wondered who these folks were, where they came from, did they hear us as we stepped forward for our 2 minutes? Sometimes, folks will ask me whether I like it, is it difficult, is there much work involved. I suspect part of the question is, how do you decide and who do you listen to.
So, yes, I love it.
Difficult is, forgive me, difficult to measure. The preparation and review are challenging and require setting aside time to read, do background work and visit the sites. It’s a matter of getting up to speed, utilizing the resources at your disposal and digging around for information. The Planning department’s website is an invaluable tool.
Different Commissioners have different perspectives on meeting with folks, mine is simple – if I have the time I’ll meet with anyone who asks. This assumes it is an item I’m allowed to meet on, yes, more rules. Finding the time is often extremely challenging since we have 6 days after receiving the meeting information to prepare. Those 6 days are not exempt from the normal day-to-day delicate balancing act of work and family.
On occasion a friend will ask me to migrate out of planning geek. It surprised me the first time I found myself falling into jargon, I hope my friends continue to poke me when it happens. But, it is nice to know I’ve gotten the hang of the local language, as it were.
Often the meetings are the most challenging aspect. I can see from the faces in the audience that some folks are nervous or frightened. Being in chambers can be a nerve-wracking event and not being sure of the process creates anxiety. The Commssioners are respectful and try to set people at ease. Some of us have been on the other side of the dais many times and understand how intimidating it can be. Occasionally, an interested party will remain seated after a decision has been provided - it seems they’re not quite sure what just happened or whether they have anything more to do. The first time I testified in front of the Commission I had the same experience and had to ask the gentleman sitting next to me what had happened.
As a result of watching folks in chambers for both the Planning Commission and City Council meetings and remembering how difficult it was to feel comfortable, prepare properly and make a case I created a training program to help residents better prepare. I enlisted the assistance of folks in the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative program and Neighborhood Development Center to bring Neighbors in the Chambers to residents.
The program members for Neighbors in the Chambers had a great time as did those of us who put the three-part series together. Making your case to any commission, or elected body, should not be intimidating. Everyone should feel they have the same opportunity to have their voice heard and understand the process. I plan to continue bringing this training to folks who want to effectively raise their voices.
(p.s. The advice to ring the ear of your leaders comes from Woodrow Wilson)
sophielago
January 28, 2010
Very worthwhile effort! Few of us learn in school how to approach our governments, at any level, and it shouldn’t be only professionals who are comfortable doing it.