Transparency Lacking in Charter Review Process: Where Are Our Transparent Council Members?
In a recent press release, District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda expressed serious concerns about the City Council’s handling of the charter review process. Her statement highlights the failure to genuinely involve the public, raising questions about transparency and missed opportunities.
Councilwoman Havrda began by acknowledging the hard work of the Charter Review Commission but quickly shifted to a critical tone, addressing three main issues: process, opportunity, and transparency. She emphasized that the City Charter belongs to the people of San Antonio, those who work hard every day, raising families, running businesses, and attending school. She stressed that the charter should reflect their lives, hopes, and dreams.
San Antonio Taxpayer Money Spent
“Taxpayer money was spent organizing meetings where the amendments were discussed, where the public was told their concerns and ideas should be voiced. And they did, the public showed up, their voices were clear. But the process did not allow their ideas to be truly considered,” Havrda stated. This, she argued, was a significant missed opportunity, seemingly intentional, as it would have taken very little effort to listen and consider the public’s input.
The councilwoman pointed out that the city has successfully used a robust process for budget discussions, involving meetings in every district, surveys, and multiple opportunities for public input. Yet, this inclusive approach was conspicuously absent in the charter review. “We fell short in this process. We fell short of our future because the public wasn’t included,” she stated.
Havrda’s comments are a call to action for other council members and the citizens of San Antonio. She highlighted the irony that while the amendments on the ballot will be discussed for the next three months, the initial process excluded valuable public input. “There is plenty of time, but with limited ideas. So many folks here today advocate for investment in youth. But, according to the powers that be, it’s too late. Again, we missed an opportunity,” she stated.
In The End The Voters Decide, Not Council
“In the end the voters will decide. The irony is that there will be three months – 12 and ½ weeks to discuss, to consider, to debate these proposed amendments. Today is a starting point for discussion, it’s not “last-minute”. 12 and ½ weeks is not eleventh-hour. There is plenty of time, but with limited ideas. So many folks here today advocate for investment in youth. Thank you, especially Alana Trevino for coming to speak today. But, according to the powers that be, it’s too late. Again, we missed an opportunity.”
This brings us to a crucial question: What is the response from council to this press release from D6 Councilwoman? We probably will not get one as Havrda explained ‘they did not listen’. So what makes us think they will listen now and what is being hidden? These elected officials are supposed to represent us, the people of their city, and ensure transparency in governance.
Is ‘Citizens To Be Heard’ Merely a Formality?
Havrda’s statement underscores the need for accountability and openness. “The goal was trust and accountability. The idea was transparency. Clearly, when it comes to the people this Council represents, ideas are always germane. Opportunity is always germane. Transparency is always germane to the City’s future,” she argued.
As constituents, we must demand explanations and actions from our council members. Councilwoman Havrda’s concerns should not be ignored. Our representatives must be transparent and proactive in their roles, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered. It is not acceptable for elected officials to remain silent when such critical issues are at stake. The time for transparency is now, and we must hold our leaders accountable.
This story will be updated as we provide more information into the city’s upcoming election and the propositions on our city ballot. If our voices are not being heard by those in power, rest assured we will keep you informed right here in these pages about the truth and how we, as a community, can navigate these challenges: VOTE!
It seems that the ‘citizens to be heard’ process is merely a formality, as Councilwoman Havrda points out, with public input being disregarded.
