Berkeley Tries to Silence Progressives

Berkeley City Councilmember Laurie Capitelli---a prominent real estate industry professional and leader of the Council's so-called "moderate" wing---is the measure's initiating sponsor. Capitelli's proposal would bar Berkeley citizens from serving on more than one city commission. Current policy allows for a citizen to serve on two or three commissions simutaneously if a citizen is prepared to devote the neccessary time and energy.

Capitelli's proposal is an attempt to target progressive commissioners on Berkeley's 40 commissions and boards by preventing progressive-leaning citizens from providing their experience, expertise and public policy recommendations.

Berkeley's commission system is the foundation of the city's public policy discussions and decisions. Traditionally, commission policy recommendations are forwarded to the City Council for consideration and/or action.

Capitelli's proposal will be considered at the Berkeley City Council's next meeting on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007. The meeting begins at 7pm.

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