Ellen M. Cross of Strategy Drivers, Inc., is coming to the Oakley City Council (for a price of $20,000). The intent is to “enhance governance” by the Oakley City Council. Ms. Cross is coming to Oakley at the insistence of the “big three” Oakley City Council (Higgins, Pope, and Williams). I have heard Councilmember Williams state the purpose of the meeting is an “intervention.”
I am assuming the intervention will involve a demand to discuss the end of the use of social media by council members. I would also believe that there will be some hostility towards me because of my ongoing use of social media. I am aware that some council members have stated, “we need to control the council’s image.” Consequently, there is a desire to control the publication of social media posts by some council members.
My thoughts about social media are to keep the city residents informed of their city government. Many people in our town have said that the city council has not been transparent over the years. I believe that has occurred in the past, and now certain council members attempt to cover the windows of transparency again. Yes, I will continue to utilize social media as a communication tool with my constituents in Oakley.
The meetings are on November 4, 2021, and November 16, 2021. The time of the sessions will be 6:30 pm. I have informed Ms. Cross I have no intention of curbing my social media posts. I have also told Ms. Cross and Mr. McMurray, Oakley’s Interim City Manager, that the meetings are ill-advised and not a prudent use of public funds.
Now is the time to reach out to all council members to inform them of your views, especially on social media.
George Fuller, MPA, MA Councilmember, City of Oakley, CA
