I think this is short sighted. Why would the City want to start their own program to compete with a program run by the Chamber staff that is very well attended and rated highly by all past participants? The Chamber staff spend a great deal of time organizing each of the monthly meetings, managing registrations, speakers, transportation and food. What City staff member is going to add this to their current duties?

Something seems off. The City is stopping the long tradition of supporting Leadership Pleasanton, a program that highlights the benefits of getting involved in City government, serving on commissions, volunteering for nonprofits, and so on. The course is essentially an entree into City engagement and many class attendees move on to become nonprofit board members, commissioners, and City Council Members. The Council is saying the decision is based on cost, do they think it’ll be less expensive for city staff to build and execute their own program? No way! The ROI isn’t here. As stated in the article, politics is involved. Yes, the Chamber has a political action committee that fundraise and endorse candidates they feel will represent their memberships interests and will serve Pleasanton well. The real motivation behind this Council move is retaliation. A majority of the Council did not receive the coveted Chamber endorsement, including our Mayor, unless she’s unopposed. Obviously it didn’t matter, they were elected anyway and that should be enough. But not for this Council. Yet again, our Council is making personal decisions and not thinking about the best interests of our community.

I agree, Ugh. This makes no sense. Leadership Pleasanton has been the gateway to community members learning and then serving on Commissions and nonprofit boards plus being more engaged and active part of the community. This is so incredibly short sided by the Council with no thought or logic.

It's sadly not a surprise, given their current track record. For example, Mayor Brown seems self interested and Councilmember Arkin just can't seen to grasp more than simple concepts.

Be careful what you say or retaliation from this group will get you!