Public Comment 10/8/2024
Mayor and Council,
As a resident in this city, I am concerned about some information going out on Social Media from current seated Council Members as well as some of our local press outlets. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to somehow set the record straight in regards to signage and the rules and ensure they are followed by all Members of the Council.
This leads me to my main concern; lack of policing amongst yourselves as should be done. All 5 of you know the Code of Conduct you agreed to and it is concerning it is never considered or enforced! We have Council Members who bully others, push personal agendas, speak down to staff and don’t even pay attention when citizens are talking.
What a circus it has become!
My other concern is that the BMC is enforced upon residents daily for any and all violations, some resulting in fines for residents and local businesses. Why is it ok for Council Members to break the BMC to their benefit? How is it that the BMC is being ignored during Farmer’s Markets and on weekends when Council knows that the Community Enrichment Department is not working and as long as their political signs placed on City property are gone by end of the weekend or by the time Community Enrichment returns to work on Monday, nothing will be said or enforced upon them? A council member was seen and heard yelling across the Farmer’s Market very aggressively at other citizens helping another candidate running for council by handing out information, that if they don’t like the signs, too bad, report them.
When did doing the right thing become null and void for Council Members who should be displaying the utmost respect for the City Policies they create and employees have to enforce? Is this what we want Brentwood to be known for? Knowledge is power and in this situation, it seemed that the power of knowledge was abused. Council knows the inner workings of the city and that as long as no one is on duty to enforce ordinances, they can get away with it! Is this the unwritten rule during election season? You all are turning our city into the laughing stock of East County! It could not be more imperative that we get new council members on the dais.