Lori Johnson: Time to end Atwater’s good ol’ boy network

Here in Atwater, the concept of closed and secretive government appears to be routine. First, the hand-picked, Measure H public safety oversight committee conducted its first (so-called) public meeting behind closed doors, in secret. Then an overpriced firetruck was bought without a required competitive bid. Then, at a recent city council meeting, a city resident pleaded for a meeting to resolve a city issue. She was met with a cold stare and total silence.

Now, the selection of a new city manager is required, and just like any authoritarian regime, Atwater has no competitive selection in sight. The present good ol’ boy city council is on track to pick one of their own staff, one who has never held that position.

The time has come for new leadership. Remember, good government must start at the local level. Voters must change the closed-door culture at city hall by voting for two council candidates who reject the good ol’ boy mentality!

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Lori Johnson: Time to end Atwater’s good ol’ boy network."