Getting To Know The Local Government

The Millbrae local government effectively makes decisions that have an influence on each and every resident whether they know it or not.

The policies set are directly responsible for annoyances like auto traffic to convinences like the modern BART station. It's difficult to feel one way or another about these issues if one doesn't understand how the local system works.

"Local government decisions are very important to the daily lives of Millbrae residents since local government decisions determine the level of service," said Millbrae Mayor Paul Seto." People should be aware of local government politics because it may affect their quality of life, whether it is clean air, water, public safety, clean streets or providing emergency services."

Millbrae has a traditional city government. It uses a city council and city manager form of government. And according to the city's official website, this arrangement clearly distinguishes the legislative power of the city council from the administrative powers of the city manager.

Five elected council members decide all major governmental actions. While the mayor is a council member, the position of mayor itself isn't an elected office, but rather one voted by the council, similar to the parliamentary system in voting for a prime minister in countries like Japan.

Every year the council votes for the next mayor and vice mayor. The mayor acts as the head of the council, similar to the position of speaker of the house in the United States House of Representatives.

They convene on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m., and their actual meetings are televised on public access channel 27. During these meetings topics range from the fresh water supply, adequate medical care, and even to the high speed rail - all things that play a major part in each Millbrae residents life.

"We're working diligently in dealing with issues directly affecting the city of Millbrae and regionally in cooperation with other cities," Seto said.

Along with passing city-wide ordinances and approving proposed budgets, they appoint people to the positions of city manager, city attorney, and even to seats on the various committees and commissions that help guide the council in their decision making.

City Manager Marcia Raines is responsible for daily operations and services in Millbrae. She also produces the bi-annual city budget, advises the council during policy making and carries out administrative duties. As of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the city of Millbrae is shouldering a $192,162 budget deficit.

Even though the only positions people in Millbrae can vote for are the city treasurer and council members, it is possible for one to directly participate through the many commissions and committees.

"Our councilmembers are also involved with local committees, as well as larger regional committees," Seto said.

Through these groups one can help guide and shape Millbrae policy making. Residents who are on these committees and commissions are directly appointed by the city council, but the unique thing about Millbrae compared to other cities like San Bruno or Burlingame is that people can directly apply for any position they wish to occupy. Applications are accepted year-round.

Seto explained that government is a man behind the curtain - not many people pay attention to it, but it is essential for something as important as efficient police response to something as simple as a filling the pot holes in streets. Jokingly, the Mayor himself said that he didn't "fully appreciate" the local government and what it did for Millbrae residents until he got involved with the city council.

"In other words, our local government works tirelessly so we can enjoy the quality of life we have become accustomed to," Seto said.