BY Mona Raskin

November began with a bang on the 2^nd, when we found ourselves at the polling place! We were immediately given our election ballots which consisted of the various candidates running for offices, governor, Lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner, member state board of equalization, u.s. senator, u.s. representative, state senator, member of the state assembly including a variety of judicial seats. If all the above wasn’t enough, 9 state measures were also included!

Whether our choices actually made a difference or not, we can at least feel we had a part in having a say in our state’s affairs!

However, we are not sure that our city’s rules allow us to feel the same way!  As a citizen we should be allowed to stand up and give your opinion on matters concerning your city! We are usually allowed only 5 minutes. The council members can reply and speak as long as they wish and quite often in an impolite manner! I always thought that the office you represent should be respected whether you find your speaker is being critical or not!

I am aware our city, as well as other cities is suffering because of our shrinking economy and our focus should be in working on a solution. Once again I can’t help but notice that the rhetoric has only been about the city workers absorbing the pinch! In all the years I have resided in this community, I know of only one councilman (Mayor Francisco Alonso) who donated his entire salary to our city’s library at a time when the economy was fine.

All our present city council does is seat and allow others to absorb the pain!

There has also been too much talk about Athens Trash pick           up! I have found them to be efficient and polite! Once, as I was about to roll my barrel to the curb, when he put his hand up, and got out of his vehicle and brought the trash to his truck! It was a very considerate gesture!

Well in spite of all the negative messages, I hope our readers will have a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!