Politics in Atascadero are often portrayed as dysfunctional and backward, while progress in government accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness to emerging energy, economic, and ecological challenges is less known. Atascaderans have reason to be proud of these advances, and elected and appointed city officials deserve credit for moving in the right direction.

Atascadero was the first city in SLO County to post City Council candidates’ campaign contributions on its website. It was also the first city in the county to engage in the AB 811 program to fund local, decentralized, renewable, and efficient energy production and use.

The city council recently reaffirmed its commitment to provide the public with Internet-archived and televised access to council and planning commission meetings. The city also recently joined the international effort to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by public and private-sector activities.

The city frequently hosts public workshops on pending and important matters, including downtown development, economic strategy, and open-government law. The council adopted an ordinance rewarding candidates who agree to voluntary campaign spending limits. The council recently ordered the drafting of two ordinances that would increase funding for broad/web-casting city and community meetings and events.

It’s fair to say that regardless of its shortcomings, City Hall, even in these tough times, has demonstrated its dedication to public involvement, an even political playing field, and responsible economic and ecological stewardship. Atascadero is a progressive city. Characterizations of our town as neglect in that context are inaccurate

-- David Broadwater - Atascadero

-- David Broadwater - Atascadero