Dear Mayor Nash and City Councillors, April 25, 2022
As an observer and public commenter at EQC meetings for several years, I am concerned that the described procedure to fill the four vacancies on the EQC (in particular) may not result in the appointments of the most qualified and needed applicants. The described procedure, if the same as I observed last year, does not bode well. Appointments to City Commissions then evidently depended primarily on a Council Member jumping in first to nominate an applicant, who had that Member's ear, and some Members were wary of the likely consequences of casting a 'No' vote; the procedure was degraded to a lottery. To restore deliberation and decorum, Council Members could be invited in order of their seniority to nominate one applicant for any Commission, who would then be voted on. Calling on Council Members in rotation could continue until all vacancies are filled.
Whatever procedure is adopted, I urge you to prioritize the nominations and appointments of:
Tom Kabat for RE-appointment for 4 years, because he knows supremely well what he is talking about, whatever the subject may be on the EQC's agenda, having served throughout his career as an environmental staff member and adviser for Palo Alto's City Council. He is wise, progressive and dedicated to achieving the goals of the Climate Action Plan and more as rapidly as possible.
Jeffrey Lin for 2 years, because he lives in District 1, which is primarily impacted by the least tolerable environmental conditions in the City and he is thus well suited to represent it. I deduce that he's comparatively young and energetic; if he performs well, he would be eligible for re-appointment.
Nabil Saad, because he is eminently qualified, has established connections to valuable resources, i.e. "several (relevant) professional organizations (Air & Waste Management Association, AGU = American Geophysical Union, etc.)" and expresses concern for environmental justice. His contributions to the IRC were thoughtful and constructive.
Sincerely,
Peter Edmonds
Resident, District 3
