The new Moraga Town Council finds itself without a female voice. At its first meeting the council set a tone of male camaraderie. Mayor Dave Trotter frequently addressed the group as "guys" and they seemed to fall behind his leadership without too much questioning.
For example, Trotter stated that the mayor had to sit on the Audit and Finance Committee. Council member, and last year's mayor, Mike Metcalf asked why, but did not challenge further when Trotter justified his statement by saying the reason was that he had done it before.
It will be interesting to see the alliances that are likely to form over the next few months. This council has two new members, Phil Arth and Roger Wykle, who will need to test the water and find their marks.
Only one slightly controversial issue arose at the Jan. 9 meeting-the question of who would join Trotter on the Audit and Finance Committee. Metcalf, Vice Mayor Ken Chew and Arth all expressed interest in the seat. Chew immediately withdrew his name and offered his support to Arth, while Wykle supported Metcalf. "I would have liked a consensus on this," pleaded Trotter. Arth then nominated Metcalf and was seconded by Chew. Trotter called Arth "a good trooper."
There may be issues in the future that will divide these men but, for now, Moraga appears to have an orderly, disciplined and well-wishing council.
For example, Trotter stated that the mayor had to sit on the Audit and Finance Committee. Council member, and last year's mayor, Mike Metcalf asked why, but did not challenge further when Trotter justified his statement by saying the reason was that he had done it before.
It will be interesting to see the alliances that are likely to form over the next few months. This council has two new members, Phil Arth and Roger Wykle, who will need to test the water and find their marks.
Only one slightly controversial issue arose at the Jan. 9 meeting-the question of who would join Trotter on the Audit and Finance Committee. Metcalf, Vice Mayor Ken Chew and Arth all expressed interest in the seat. Chew immediately withdrew his name and offered his support to Arth, while Wykle supported Metcalf. "I would have liked a consensus on this," pleaded Trotter. Arth then nominated Metcalf and was seconded by Chew. Trotter called Arth "a good trooper."
There may be issues in the future that will divide these men but, for now, Moraga appears to have an orderly, disciplined and well-wishing council.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA