Maggie Countryman: Who is running city, staff or those we elected?

I have discussed our neighborhoods opposition to the “structure” on Bronson at every city council meeting for the last year. The city council’s public comment period was my only option because the city attorney refused to speak with me.

The board of zoning adjustment has now asked for a review. Either we have the right to appeal an application for a second story, or we do not. Either we have the right to have the plans examined by the building safety department, or we do not.

I have asked Mayor Ted Brandvold to facilitate the board’s review as he served eight years on the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The city clerk failed to attach the board of zoning resolution 2013-006 to the vote of the city council for item 20 on Nov. 12, 2013. Why would she choose not to attach the board resolution to the city council vote? Who is really in charge in Modesto, elected officials or appointed staff? We need leadership that guarantees our civil and constitutional rights are upheld.

This was not a miscellaneous complaint on a patio cover, we opposed a second-story application. Let’s look at our rights as neighbors and taxpayers.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 2:13 PM with the headline "Maggie Countryman: Who is running city, staff or those we elected?."