Out of curiosity... would there still be volunteer boards that are appointed in TDG? For example, I have a friend who's currently on the Library Board. In the past he's served on the Parks board and a local refugee board. It would seem plausible that with 75 reps in the first tier, maybe you'd pull from them for these types of boards. In normal city politics here, people frequently serve on a board or two before running for City Council.
My Response
Good question
Currently the Brooks City Council sets up committees to help run the city. Library is one committee. Parks & Rec is another. I think there are about 10 committees.
Most of these committees are composed of citizen volunteers. Citizens express an interest to serve; the Council appoints them.
The Council also sends one Council member to these committees. In this way, the Council gets linked into what each committee is doing or thinking; in essence, the Council is getting feedback. I think this helps in providing a better big picture for the Council. However, most of these volunteers serve on only one committee.
My proposed Brooks TDG would ask the 75 reps to serve on at least two committees of their choice. For example, Fred might serve on both the Library and Parks & Rec committees. So when Fred is at a Library meeting, he also has the connection with Parks & Rec. Maybe there is a connection between the two.
As well, the Council would send one member to each committee. The TDG structure would create more links between committees and Council.
Having said that, I can't say for sure how Brooks will design its TDG. It could be different than what I have suggested.
Nor do I know how many of the 75 elected representatives will serve on two committees. But if half do, that should provide enough linking.
Back in my political days and years after, I really enjoyed meetings. It was fun interacting with people and making decisions. I am older with less energy plus I have an autistic son with those challenges. Meetings are not so much fun for me these days.
But skills gained in volunteer meetings would be useful in politics. However, today’s voters vote for other reasons than meeting skills. It is those other reasons that the current system seems to emphasize. Which is a big reason why we are where we are today.
In my hypothetical Brooks TDG, if some of the 75 neighborhood representatives do not show up for any committee meetings, they will not find their way to the Council. If some of other 75 representatives are turkeys in these meetings, they will not be elected into Council.
In today's electoral structure of Brooks, it is possible for turkeys to find their way into Council. Brooks has had a couple of Councils which had two or more turkeys. These Councils were quasi dysfunctional.
Would your friend would be interested in the TDG?
