Outlook
FW: October 6, 2026 - Item 3.3: Civil Service Commission Appointments From City Clerk <city.clerk@sanj oseca.gov>
Date Mon 10/5/2026 8:18 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: brian darby
Sent: Sunday, October 4, 2026 6:14 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: October 6, 2026 - Item 3.3: Civil Service Commission Appointments [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel Dear City Clerk,
Please include this email in the public record for Item 3.3 of the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting and share it with the Mayor and Council.
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for the thoughtful consideration being given to the applicants for the Civil Service Commission. I appreciate each applicant's willingness to serve, along with the work of the City Clerk and City Attorney in supporting the selection process.
The commission performs important work affecting city employees and the administration of city government. Its members help ensure that personnel matters receive fair, impartial consideration and that both employees and management can have confidence in the process. Careful listening, sound judgment, and respect for everyone involved are essential to that responsibility.
I appreciate the City Attorney's identification of potential conflicts and matters requiring clarification.
Professional, political, union, and community experience can bring valuable perspectives to the commission. Where those relationships intersect with a particular case, clear disclosure and appropriate recusal can protect the fairness of the proceedings and public confidence in the outcome.
I trust that staff and the Council will resolve the outstanding questions concerning voter eligibility, residence, current employment, and any other commission appointment s before making final selections. These appear to be matters for careful verification, and I would not presume that a question identified in the review reflects wrongdoing by an applicant. Applying consistent standards to all candidates will help ensure a fair selection process.
I also encourage consideration of each applicant's commitment to accessibility. Clear explanations of procedures, accessible materials, and appropriate accommodations can help employees with disabilities and those unfamiliar with commission proceedings participate meaningfully. People appearing before the commission should feel that they have a fair opportunity to understand the process, present their concerns, and be heard.
Providing commissioners with practical guidance on conflicts of interest, impartiality, confidentiality, and accessibility would further support their service. Clear procedures can help commissioners recognize when to seek advice and ensure that difficult questions are handled consistently.
I have confidence that the Council will weigh the applicants' qualifications thoughtfully and select individuals who will serve with integrity, sound judgment, and respect for everyone appearing before the commission. I appreciate the care involved in making these appointments and the importance of maintaining a commission that earns the trust of employees, city leadership, and the public.
Thank you to the applicants, current commissioners, and city staff for their commitment to public service.
Sincerely,
Brian Darby
Santa Clara Valley resident
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.