Since Justin Cohen is a believer in direct democracy, here’s my vote that he not bother in future races.

I'm not really sure of the point of this "news item". I guess it's the end of the year, and "let's all reflect” type stories are generally popular. They are nice to read with a cup of cocoa.

Meanwhile a tremendously important news item has been flat out ignored by the Voice. I just discovered that the latest "draft" Housing Element document was published on Dec 22. There was a 7-day public review period, which ended on Dec 29. So it's too late for the public to give feedback now, apparently? Hopefully some clarification (and apologies) will be issued by someone important about this situation?

I think it absolutely stinks that such an important document was posted almost by stealth over the holidays. Such is the state of “democracy” in Mountain View. Make critically important decisions and changes related to housing density at a time when the vast majority of the public is not paying attention, because of course we are not. IT IS THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

And the MV Voice did not write any kind of article about this. So very weird. But let's get back to the story that WAS published above:

“”But despite these challenges, Kamei said she believes Mountain View sets an example for other cities in how to run a healthy democracy.”

Did Kamei accidentally leave off a word or two? What has happened here is the exact opposite of “healthy democracy”.

Web Link

"NEW December 22, 2022 Draft Housing Element Update. The City’s December 2022 revised Draft Housing Element Update is now available for the required 7-day public review period, after which the City will submit the revised draft to the California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The revised draft includes changes to respond to preliminary comments from HCD on the November 2022 draft as well as changes based on direction provided by the City Council. To submit comments on the revised draft, please contact Ellen Yau at Ellen.Yau@mountainview.gov."

FYI for those who are interested, more dialog related to the publication of the latest "draft" Housing Element document above is available here:

"Did YOU Know that a new "draft" Housing Element Update was posted on 12/22? I didn't. Also, the required 7-day public review period is apparently now over? Happy Holidays!" - Web Link

Democracy requires an informed electorate. How much of the public was aware that a new "draft" Housing Element Update was posted on 12/22? This is a tremendously important document related to density in MV, it has been a topic of great contention for over a year.

"The Housing Element is a comprehensive, and long-term policy document that guides future decisions on housing preservation, protection, and production and reflects the community’s vision of equity and inclusion." - Web Link

The quote goes on:

"Community participation is vital to the success of a Housing Element update. Your input will guide the development of key ideas, policies, and programs to ensure the future of affordable and accessible housing in Mountain View."

Publishing this latest draft during the PEAK of the holiday season and providing such a short window of opportunity for the public to give feedback reminds of the shenanigans pulled by experienced politicos to time news dumps for Friday afternoons, when the public is distracted with weekend plans.

Publishing this draft during the PEAK of the holiday season and providing such a short window of opportunity for the public to give feedback does NOT demonstrate a SINCERE desire for "community participation". This is NOT "an example for other cities in how to run a healthy democracy."