Brian Conroy has made many positive contributions as a resident,
City Council member and Mayor of Hollister. His dedication and
expertise can be cited in several areas of accomplishment.
And many of us know how hard it is to work a second job, let
alone balance a single occupation with the time constraints and
commitment to family and other causes of need or interest.
Brian Conroy has made many positive contributions as a resident, City Council member and Mayor of Hollister. His dedication and expertise can be cited in several areas of accomplishment.
And many of us know how hard it is to work a second job, let alone balance a single occupation with the time constraints and commitment to family and other causes of need or interest.
Many community members in Hollister also know the time it takes out of our daily lives just to be a volunteer. Just ask any soccer coach, or Red Cross volunteer, or anyone who spends their valuable time and energy to help others in or around San Benito County.
Being a City Council member is a difficult role in several ways. There are the regular meetings to attend every other week and special meetings that are called on short notice.
While the title of Mayor is one passed along by the City Council on a rotation basis, rather than being an elected position as in many municipalities, it still carries much significance and responsibility that go beyond the title.
Being paid $400 a month as a Council member hardly makes a dent in the time and effort required to do an even adequate job of representing your district’s constituents.
But Conroy’s poor attendance record in 2003 is unacceptable in many ways. Missing 11 of 39 City Council meetings – even with five of those absences of the special meeting variety – is by far the worst on the Council.
It makes it worse that he is the current Mayor.
Not only is his district lacking proper representation for nearly one-third of the meetings, but his valuable input, opinion and area of city government expertise are also absent.
Thousands of residents don’t have a voice in planning or action that will affect their daily lives that day or night of the gathering.
Surely Conroy gets caught up with what went on, but as we all know it just isn’t the same as being there.
Sickness, family vacation and job commitment when there is short notice are surely valid excuses. But they have been used minimally in every other Council member’s case.
These are critical times for the City of Hollister. There are many tough decisions that have to be made in almost every area of what will determine this city’s future.
Conroy should make sure he improves his attendance for the rest of his term. His input and representation need to be there when the roll is called.
Hollister deserves better than a Mayor who is often missing in action.
