Guest Opinion | Brandon Lamar: The Vital Importance of Collaboration Among City Council, City Commissions, and City Staff

In any city, effective governance hinges on collaboration, mutual respect, and the inclusion of diverse voices. For Pasadena, this means the City Council, City Commissions, and City Staff must work together as collective partners. Each brings unique perspectives, experiences, and responsibilities to the table. However, for this partnership to truly serve the community, there must be a conscious effort to respect and value the diverse thoughts and experiences of all, even when they differ from our own.

I first realized the importance of having a “seat at the table” while serving on the Pasadena Youth Council. We worked tirelessly to support students across the city, particularly focusing on the Youth Work Plan. This experience opened my eyes to the profound impact of civic engagement and inspired me to continue serving my community in other capacities. In 2016, I was appointed to the Human Relations Commission by former Mayor Terry Tornek, where I served as chair twice before moving on to serve as Vice-Chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board.

Reflecting on my journey, I often think about those early meetings with Mayor Tornek. Twice a year, he would host gatherings with his appointees, providing a platform to share our progress, discuss challenges, and seek guidance. These meetings were invaluable—they fostered a sense of partnership and open dialogue, which are essential for effective governance. Yet, such collaboration should not be the exception but the rule. The relationship between City Council, City Commissions, and City Staff must be grounded in mentorship, guidance, and above all, mutual respect.

Unfortunately, many people serving on City Commissions often feel their voices are not valued by the Council or City Staff. This sentiment is not just anecdotal but “straight from the horse’s mouth.” Many commissioners feel left out when it comes to the implementation of their recommendations by the City Council. This disconnect undermines the fundamental purpose of commissions, which is to provide informed recommendations and serve as bridge builders between the community and the council.

The beauty of our city’s commission system lies in its diversity. The individuals who serve on these commissions are reflective of our community’s rich tapestry. This diversity brings different perspectives, thoughts, and experiences to the table—assets that should be celebrated, not stifled. We cannot afford to alienate or remove someone from a commission seat simply because their experiences differ from ours or because they express themselves differently.

Recently, an article highlighted a situation involving a commissioner who used specific language while referring to police officers’ conduct. Mayor Gordo commented, “Making unfounded and baseless derogatory statements about officers and the Department run contrary to the purpose.” He went further to suggest that the appointments of those commissioners should be reconsidered if the statements were accurate. This approach, however, is not constructive. Rather than removing commissioners, the Mayor, City Council, and City Staff should work to foster dialogue between the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), the Police Department, and the Pasadena Police Officers Association. This would ensure that all residents’ voices are heard and respected.

The truth is, Commissioner Ibañez’s statements reflect the feelings of many residents. He is fulfilling his role by bringing these concerns to the forefront. But it is crucial to shift the focus from pointing fingers to finding solutions. I recall a conversation with the current President of the Pasadena Police Officers Association, where he expressed a desire to engage with someone from the CPOC Board. I facilitated that connection, demonstrating the power of dialogue and understanding. This is precisely what our Mayor should do—bring all parties to the table to work toward a solution that benefits all Pasadenans, rather than seeking to remove a commissioner who voices uncomfortable truths.

In conclusion, the path to effective governance is not through exclusion or silencing dissent but through fostering inclusive dialogue and collaboration. The City Council, City Commissions, and City Staff must work together as partners, respecting each other’s contributions and the diverse voices within our community. Only then can we build a Pasadena that truly reflects and serves all its residents.

Brandon Lamar is a former District 3 City Council candidate.