Erica L. Manuel at CalMatters:
Local elected officials can and should step up and lead by example to model unity and encourage public trust and confidence. Cities statewide can view the recent election as the proverbial “reset button” and embrace changes to the composition of city councils to wipe the slate clean, maintain a focus on ethics and begin repairing the trust that has been damaged.
While elections offer an opportunity for new beginnings, maintaining civility and good governance throughout transitions and uncertainty is not easy. California communities continue to grapple with health orders related to COVID-19, immense wildfire devastation and sustained economic uncertainty. Local leaders are being tested now more than ever. A serious dose of civility in all levels of government – modeled by local leaders – will help all our communities emerge stronger after the dust settles.