City Announces New Mayor's "2015 Listening Tour"

MEET THE ROOKIE!
Today the City of Costa Mesa announced a new program designed to provide five ways for residents to meet Rookie Mayor Steve Mensinger.  I've posted the entire text of the announcement for your reading pleasure below.

FIRST CHANCE THIS SUNDAY
I've spoken with Sharon Rodelius from the CEO's Office this afternoon.  She's running point on this program.  Although the City announcement does not require a call to schedule a time to meet with Mensinger on Sundays, she agreed that it would be a good idea to give her a call so they can plan that two-hour segment beginning this Sunday, January 11th.  I guess you'll just wander into the City Hall lobby and take the elevator directly to the 5th floor bunker, er, Executive Offices for your chance to chat with the Rookie.

DANCING?  GAME OF CATCH?
It's also unclear whether there will be dancing on the brand new hardwood floors in the Mayor's palatial, newly-renovated office.  Nor is it clear whether he will be tossing that football around with you, either.  As far as we know now, this will be a one-on-one chat opportunity.

FIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR...
So, you can meet with him on a Sunday; waddle with him on a Friday morning; slurp coffee with him at a time that works for both of you; drop him a little note at the brand new email address or invite him to visit your business, event or whatever.

Call Sharon Rodelius for more information.  Here's the City announcement:

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Mayor Mensinger announces '2015 Listening Tour'

Posted Date: 1/8/2015

Costa Mesa Mayor Steve Mensinger has announced a “2015 Listening Tour” to allow residents five ways to more easily access to City Hall and share their hopes and concerns with the mayor.

• Meet the Mayor. Mayor Mensinger will hold “Meet the Mayor” sessions at City Hall and other locations around town from 2 to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. The first “Meet the Mayor” will be at City Hall (77 Fair Drive) on Jan. 11.
  
• Walk and Talk with the Mayor. At 5:30 a.m. on the third Friday of each month, residents can participate in the “Walk and Talk with the Mayor” for approximately a 90-minute walk. The group will meet at the Estancia High School parking lot (2323 Placentia Ave.) adjacent to the tennis court.
• Coffee with the Mayor. To set up a meeting over coffee, please e-mail Mayor Mensinger (mayor@costamesaca.gov) or contact the City Council’s executive secretary, Sharon Rodelius, at (714) 754-5107.
• Write the Mayor. E-mail the Mayor Mensinger at mayor@costamesaca.gov and you’ll get a response back within 24 hours.
• Invite the Mayor. Schedule permitting, Mayor Mensinger would love to accept your invitation to ribbon-cuttings, nonprofit meetings, public or private school classes on local government and more. To schedule an event, please e-mail Mayor Mensinger (mayor@costamesaca.gov) or contact the City Council’s executive secretary, Sharon Rodelius, at (714) 754-5107.

“I’m looking forward to listening to my fellow residents and finding out how we can continue to improve our fine city,” Mayor Mensinger said. “This will be a great learning experience for me, and I know residents will be impressed at the responsiveness of their local government.”
For more information about the “2015 Listening Tour,” please call the City Council’s executive secretary, Sharon Rodelius, at (714) 754-5107 or email her at sharon.rodelius@costamesaca.gov.

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WATCHING THIS WITH A WARY EYE

It's going to be very interesting to see how this scheme plays out.  Cynics might suggest that this is a way to try to diffuse critics privately, without all that nasty inquiry during official, on-the-record, public comments during council meetings.  I have no doubt that meeting with your top elected leader to discuss issues that are important to you is a good thing.  However, it might seem to some that this is another step to mute public criticism.  We'll find out soon enough.