""I am not at my best at midnight," said Unger at a previous meeting regarding these proposed changes."
""We see this as a way to limit participation, particularly by working people who cannot come to meetings in the middle of the afternoon," said Jeffrey Levin, a"
The Oakland City Council changed rules so public hearings about major policies and laws can occur shortly after meetings begin, around 3:30 p.m. Previously councilmembers had to wait until 5 p.m. before discussing non-consent calendar legislation. Councilmembers Janani Ramachandran and Kevin Jenkins said the changes will streamline meetings. Ramachandran, Jenkins, Ken Houston, Zac Unger, and Rowena Brown voted for the reform. Supporters argued earlier hearings keep lawmakers fresher during significant discussions. Meetings often run late; one on Dec. 16 ran until about 9:30 p.m., and a councilmember once appeared to fall asleep during public comment. Some residents warned the change will make participation harder for working people.
Read at The Oaklandside
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