Costa Mesa : Mayor’s Open-Door Policy Put in Practice

There’s just something about sitting down and talking without any microphones around, without any crowds, without any motions being made. Without any voting.

Mayor Joe Erickson has invited residents to meet with him every Wednesday on the fifth floor of City Hall in the mayor’s office between 5 and 6:30 p.m. to talk.

“The idea behind this is to have an open city government that is responsible and accountable,” said Erickson, 37, first elected to the five-member council in 1992. “Elected office is a two-way street: It’s for me to learn more about the citizens and to show them that there’s actually a face behind city government.”

But Erickson, who was elected mayor by the council last month, isn’t just interested in hearing from residents. He’d also like to hear from city employees.

The lunch, where Erickson will chat with employees, will take place on the fifth floor conference room in City Hall every first Wednesday of each month during the noon hour.