Consensus is good. Divisiveness is not.
My opponent criticizes the Council for having so many unanimous votes. Unanimous votes means the Council has reached a consensus. Consensus is the result of thorough and open debate, public feedback in open session, and working collaboratively to find optimal solutions. When an issue or idea can be enhanced through consensus it results in a better outcome for all.
Many deliberations in City Council meetings don’t start out with consensus. Council members often have differing opinions or concerns about an item up for discussion. Differing views are always welcome and always considered. Discussion ensues about how a proposal could be changed to the satisfaction of all concerned, including council members and applicants. It takes time to have meaningful discussions that result in positive outcomes for the majority. This is part of the reason our meetings run long, but it’s worth it.
I’ll use variance requests as a specific example. When the Council considers a variance request, the process goes something like this:
My opponent may not recognize the value of consensus. I believe that taking the time to find a win-win solution is preferable to divisiveness and dissent.
- continue to Ethics Complaints
- return to Straight Talk about West Lake Hills City Council
Many deliberations in City Council meetings don’t start out with consensus. Council members often have differing opinions or concerns about an item up for discussion. Differing views are always welcome and always considered. Discussion ensues about how a proposal could be changed to the satisfaction of all concerned, including council members and applicants. It takes time to have meaningful discussions that result in positive outcomes for the majority. This is part of the reason our meetings run long, but it’s worth it.
I’ll use variance requests as a specific example. When the Council considers a variance request, the process goes something like this:
- The Council discusses whether or not the request meets the requirement of a ‘hardship’. A hardship could mean such things as physical impediments presented by our city’s unique geographical terrain or multiple building setbacks that prevents the applicant from complying with city ordinances.
- If granted, the Council must consider whether or not the variance would present a threat to health, safety or public welfare; result in potential environmental damage or damage to neighboring properties; impinge on the rights of neighbors; be consistent with the Master Plan; be fair.
- If a variance request does not satisfy the above criteria, the Council will work with the applicant to suggest modifications to the proposal that in the end meet these criteria as well as satisfactorily meeting the needs of the applicant.
- The goal of the Council is to arrive at a mutually acceptable and beneficial end result. This is how the Council reaches consensus.
My opponent may not recognize the value of consensus. I believe that taking the time to find a win-win solution is preferable to divisiveness and dissent.
- continue to Ethics Complaints
- return to Straight Talk about West Lake Hills City Council