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6.1.1. - Page 7 <br /> Finally, the City Council must express our disappointment and frustration with the timing of the <br /> Grand Jury's report and the apparent insufficiency of its research and analysis on this issue. In <br /> terms of the timing, the Grand Jury decided to look into this matter once a body of elected <br /> officials comprised of inember agencies decided to analyze it. We undertook this effort because <br /> we have serious concerns about the oversight and management of SBWMA that have lingered <br /> since the Grand Jury's 2009 report. One perception is that it would appear as if an appointed <br /> body of grand jurors was attempting to assume the work of elected officials and intervene on <br /> the SBWMA's behalf. <br /> In terms of performing adequate research, the Blue Ribbon Task Force-directed study of similar <br /> agencies found that it is common for elected officials to serve on their boards. This is <br /> fundamentally a core function of being an elected official. To suggest elected officials are too <br /> busy or lack technical knowledge to give policy direction is antithetical to the primary structure <br /> of government which is led by elected officials. We devote ourselves to public service and work <br /> cooperatively with staff to get the information and analysis we need to make sound public <br /> policy decisions. We hold staff accountable for their work and performance and it is time we do <br /> the same for SBWMA. <br /> Thank you for allowing us to respond to your report and share our perspective. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Alicia C. Aguirre <br /> Mayor <br /> Cc: Redwood City, City Council <br /> Robert B. Bell, City Manager <br /> 5 <br />