Using the Ballot to Settle Disputes

I recently took a business trip to Arizona. I went as far north as Scottsdale, and as far south as Tobec. Although my business had nothing to do with the city of Diamond Bar, the many problems in Diamond Bar were on my mind, like land development, trash pickup, General Plan, etc.

As I went about doing what I had gone to Arizona to do, I stopped at many city halls. I talked to city planners, planning departments and some council people. I asked these people what happened in their cities when there was a controversial issue? I was asked what I meant by that. I replied: When the city council wants to pass something and the citizens did not want to pass it.

The answer was the same everywhere: We put it on a ballot and let the people vote it in or out.

I find it very refreshing to know that there are cities that still think it is important to listen to the people.

I find it equally depressing to find out that Diamond Bar is not one of them.

TOM VAN WINKLE

Diamond Bar