The truly good, ol’ days have returned for the ladies and gentlemen of the City Council, in the view of an observer who only is an oldtimer in a technical aspect.
Two decades after leaving the City Council, where he served from the late 1970s, all the way through the ‘80s and into the middle ‘90s four full four-year terms, before Albert Vera led a charge for term limits, Paul Jacobs says that he is impressed with the teamwork concept of the present five members.
“When I was on the City Council, we also had the idea that we wanted to work as a team,” said Mr. Jacobs, scarcely appearing to have aged. “Of course there were differences in attitudes, but there was civility, courtesy and a respect.
“With this Council in particular, I see it again.
“I cannot say that for some former Councils.”
When Mr. Jacobs compares his era with current times, it is not a stretch. He was born about the same time as some of today’s members. The difference is that he was quite a young attorney when he started his 16-year run on the dais.
Could he serve comfortably with today’s Council members?
“Yes, I could, with all of them,” Mr. Jacobs said. “They are all well-intentioned and dedicated.”
However, the atmosphere surrounding Mayor Jeff Cooper, Vice Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells, Andy Weissman, Mehaul O’Leary and Jim Clarke is dramatically different from the Jacobs City Councils.
“It is extremely different because because, first of all, government is much more complex today,” Mr. Jacobs said. “So many more regulations. The electronic age has changed the way government operates.”
Would he like to be back on the dais today?
Before even a quick breath could be drawn, Mr. Jacobs’s response leaped into the air:
“No.”
Because?
“For the reasons I have mentioned,” he said. “It takes more work. The issues being decided are more complex. I also have the impression this Council requires a lot more time.
“I am very happy being here just to support the candidates,” Mr. Jacobs, frequently seen around town, said over the din at Councilman Clarke’s re-election kickoff last Sunday afternoon.
“I really get as much satisfaction today getting good men and women elected.”
