What are the proper roles and responsibilities of city council members, council-appointed commissioners, task forces and working group members and city staff?

After the confusion of the Aug. 28 Los Altos City Council meeting, this seems like a question worth asking. For example, we observed council members stating that they would overrule Planning Commission parking recommendations – which came from the parking committee that had devoted months to the subject. Council members also believed that their opinions about traffic issues should supersede analyses by appropriate commissions and city staff. The final confusion was that council members were uncertain of the goals of the Downtown Vision study – which has been underway for nearly two years!

“I’m in favor of a vibrant downtown.”

It is no surprise that the output of the 10th Site Advisory Task Force resulted in the most votes to move Bullis Charter School to the new 10th campus. Why? This was the only option that remained standing after all other options were artificially removed by district staff or the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees directly, or by the artificial constraints placed on the task force.

District staff shared multiple times that they were resistant to operating a neighborhood school or a magnet school at the site. Two-thirds of the task force members were handpicked loyalists chosen by the district, or employed by the district. There was no representation by taxpayers/community members who did not have kids in the district recently. Even the “final” report was written by district staff and paid consultants. The report was never voted on, discussed or reviewed collectively by the task force.

What’s to fear with Measure C?

Regarding King Lear’s letter (“Measure C blocks future leaders,” Sept. 5): The only folks who seem to be angry are our city leaders who oppose Measure C.

They fear losing their ability to wheel and deal with our public land.

Seek out facts on Measure C

Why is it that the “Yes on Measure C” supporters insist they are right and everyone else is wrong?

If their position is “truth,” why do the League of Women Voters, Los Altos School District, League of Conservation Voters, American Association of University Women, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, Los Altos Village Association, County Assessor and many, many knowledgeable citizens of Los Altos say “no” on Measure C is the correct vote?

The League of Women Voters strongly urges you to vote “no” on Measure C, which would require a vote of the public before most city-owned land could be sold or leased. Based on our analysis, there is no need for this restrictive measure because we are not aware of any instances where the city has sold parks or open-space lands. Leases to provide services and to meet city goals and objectives are routine occurrences in city operations.