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Selenus council adopts first legislative platform to guide state and federal advocacy
Summary
The Selenus City Council voted 6-1 on Feb. 24 to adopt a new legislative platform that will guide the city's positions on state and federal bills and budget requests; councilmembers requested additions and staff will incorporate suggested edits before finalizing outreach procedures.
The Selenus City Council adopted a citywide legislative platform on Feb. 24, formalizing policy priorities city staff and lobbyists will use when the council is asked to support or oppose state and federal measures.
The presentation: Assistant City Manager Lisa Murphy introduced John Ariyaga of JA & Associates, the citys state lobbying firm, who described the platform as a living document to guide advocacy on agriculture, workforce housing, transportation and water policy. Ariyaga told the council the platform helps staff respond quickly to time-sensitive bills and earmark opportunities.
Council and public input: Council members requested language additions and refinements covering pedestrian safety, arts and small-business support, alternative behavioral-health response funding, and training/resources for AI-related workforce needs. Members of the public urged transparency around past campaign contributions and policy decisions.
The vote: After a motion and second, the council voted to adopt the platform. Voting record: Council Member Barahas (yes); Council Member Bara (yes); Council Member Drigo (yes); Council Member Delar Rosa (yes); Council Member Salazar (yes); Council Member Sandival (no); Mayor Dennis Donahghue (yes). The motion passed 6-1. Council instructed staff and the city lobbyist to incorporate the edits suggested during the meeting and to return if significant changes are required.
Why it matters: The adopted platform provides a framework for city staff and consultants to sign on to or oppose legislation and to make budget requests to state and federal partners. City staff stressed the platform itself does not commit funds and that specific endorsements or appropriations will return to council as required.
Speakers quoted: John Ariyaga (JA & Associates); Lisa Murphy, assistant city manager.
Ending: The measure clears the way for more timely state and federal advocacy, with staff to return on procedural changes and any language edits.
