Morro Bay City Council, citizens an example of democratic process

I was very impressed by the people of Morro Bay at last Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

The council listened for more than an hour to people’s fears and complaints about a proposed location for the new wastewater treatment plant.

After public comment, City Manager David Buckingham and water plant staff corrected a few statements that were inaccurate. Then each council member spoke to every concern that people expressed and directed staff to follow up.

The citizens who spoke got everything they asked for — a 60-day pause and further consideration of alternative sites.

We may not like the eventual site decision, but everyone will know that their reservations were considered thoroughly and thoughtfully.

I am proud of the way that our council conducts business.

It is slow, deliberative and somehow always seems to go past 11 p.m., but they listen to people and work to give everyone fair and equal treatment.

I am also proud of the dozens of engaged citizens who took the time to express their opinions. Tuesday night was a great lesson in how democracy works when citizens and government listen to each another and work together.

I urge concerned citizens to turn out March 22 for the next council meeting and speak up about revising the municipal code. The council has proven that it will listen and take action.

This story was originally published March 14, 2016 at 8:56 PM with the headline "Morro Bay City Council, citizens an example of democratic process."