Having spent two decades in elected office at the city and county level in Santa Clara County, I have learned something about the relationship between government and the people — something I feel a need and an obligation to share as I leave office.
Local government can work responsively and pragmatically. We can make a dent in local, national and global problems in our own way. We can tackle our troubles and concerns and tap into our community’s vitality.
Consider the COVID-19 pandemic, a catastrophe that left many feeling powerless and touched all corners of our planet. County residents wanted and needed medical care, vaccines, information, transportation and more. Those needs were manifested throughout our county of 2 million people. Our county administration and Public Health Department led on this issue and set the response standard for the rest of the nation.
Other examples came six years ago, when O’Conner and St. Louise hospitals had to be sold, and this year, when Regional Medical Center initiated cutbacks in stroke care and other critical services. These were private sector issues; we could have easily just thrown up our hands and let community assets go by the wayside.
Instead, community members organized and called for preserving these essential health services. The county responded by purchasing O’Connor and St. Louise. The purchase of Regional Medical Center is in the works, with services expected to be restored in the future. Plain and simple, these purchases saved lives and will save many more.
What is it about local government that allows it to uniquely produce such achievements? I believe it results from democracy at the local level.
Local government is accessible and has direct interactions. It isn’t hard for residents to speak at City Hall or the county Board of Supervisors’ chambers, in person or virtually.
Local government is open and governed by the Brown Act and the Public Records Act to make sure business is done where residents can see it happen.
Local public officials listen. Even if they are being told what they don’t want to hear, they try to respond. That’s because most local officials represent relatively small districts, cities or towns. Disgruntled residents can organize to replace them. Successful recalls do happen.
Local government is pragmatic. We focus on issues that may not rile up the left or right wings of politics or result in much castle intrigue. Building libraries, paving streets, operating 911 systems or responding to medical emergency calls induces officials to concentrate on reality, not rhetoric.
All these hallmarks of local government empower us to institute change and make an impact, whereas we might feel powerless at the state and national level. Change here can serve as a template and inspiration for greater change at higher levels of government.
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Days after the national election, there’s plenty to be gloomy about. I understand. But after 20 years serving you in Santa Clara County, I’m convinced local government is a strong and vital pillar supporting American democracy.
It deserves your continuing energy and support, even if we are disappointed with it some of the time. It will never be easy. Democratic government challenges our wisdom, our patience and our sense of fairness.
That local relationship between elected officials and the governed, like all relationships, has times of stress and turmoil. And like the other great relationships of our lives, it’s worth it.
Cindy Chavez served on the San Jose City Council from 1998-2006 and has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors since 2013. She will step down on Tuesday and begin her new job as county manager of Bernalillo County, N.M., the following day.
