Many years ago, I was a teacher at a junior high school. One day I referred to something as “defunct” and immediately the students responded with enthusiasm since it sounded somewhat risqué and naughty. Pretty soon, the school was abuzz with the word and I observed the power of language and new ideas. A single word could capture and summon imagery of the complete collapse or obliteration of something that had once existed. Although there is a sense of finality to the concept of defunct, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is no possibility of revival. Sometimes an idea suffers initial or intermittent defeat but is subsequently resurrected in an altered and more vibrant form.
A casualty of the Covid epidemic has been the personal connection between government officials and their constituents. As the epidemic rendered in-person meetings and gatherings defunct, the gap between government and constituents widened. Gradually, in-person meetings have begun to re-emerge in our area again in hybrid form that allows at least some interaction without the imposition of impersonal technology. When observing teleconferencing meetings, constant admonitions to “unmute” and interruptions of service are telling indications of the limitations of such technological systems. In a recent Fremont City Council meeting, one councilmember was unable to fully participate due to a computer glitch.
A comment from the public noted that not everyone has access to cable television or computers to participate. When confronted by this, the mayor expressed her hope that in-person meetings would resume in September. However, the City Manager seemed less interested in such resumption. Why not? At least institute a hybrid meeting schedule to allow some in-person participation. Has the City of Fremont decided that such meetings are defunct? It should be up to the city council to set the policy and instruct staff to implement it. Why were other councilmembers silent on this issue? It was on the agenda and open for discussion and debate.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has relaxed its Covid restrictions, realizing that the U.S. population must face the reality of living with this malady and find ways to accommodate everyday life. This should include civic interaction and government responsibility to its constituents. Has blind reliance on an emergency measure, with no modification, become an excuse for staff reliance on technology rather than personal attendance? It is obvious from other governmental bodies that now hold hybrid meetings that such meetings are a viable alternative. Has Fremont declared in-person meetings defunct? It is time for the mayor and council to take a stand and set policy. They were elected to lead… show us you know how to do it!