Local Democracy under Attack? Larry Speaks Out in Podcast

In this latest podcast episode of “Conversations with Councilmember Larry Agran,” Councilmember Larry Agran discusses the Irvine City Council’s 4-1 vote last Tuesday (on March 22) to change procedures for City agendas and meetings. The policy changes included, for example, a reduction in speaking time for large groups of public commenters. 

Larry advocated for the public, who spoke out unanimously in opposition at the meeting, and voted against the policy’s unpopular changes, saying: 

“If American democracy can't work locally, or if it isn't working locally, or if the public is being shut out by special interest groups or by the Mayor and Council, we are in deep, deep trouble. If we are failing in that regard those passionate about representative government need to be adamant on procedures that allow for and encourage the most significant amount of public participation.”