Recently an article appeared headlined “Incumbents decline invitation to candidate forum.” Unfortunately I need to correct some poor impressions created by Jonathan Friedman about MTC.
Firstly, the MTC hardly needs defense given its long civic contribution to the citizens of Malibu, however, to many readers new to our community who are unfamiliar with our organization’s role in history of Malibu, let me just say that MTC was a motive force in the creation of the city and its separation from the county’s neglectful control.
This letter is not written to address the absence of the incumbents at the March 18 meeting but rather the distortions expressed in The Malibu Times article of March 16.
Jonathan’s statement that MTC membership is “usually speaking in opposition to the City Council during meetings” is false for two reasons. Members have rarely spoken on behalf of the MTC since that would require prior board approval and individual board members are always free to speak as private citizens independent of our MTC Board membership. A “representative” of MTC or any other organization sits in that position only if they announce they are representing that group. Also, to generalize about speaking in “opposition” to the council as simply providing your views, which may or not be contrary to the council majority on any given issue, is just not fair.
Finally, my favorite part, the use of the term “mysterious.” Need I go there to reflect on the negative connotations of that word in today’s media. If Jonathan had simply asked to see a list of MTC Board members he would have been granted his wish (as he was at the Voters Forum). My not remembering that Debra DeCray was the MTC President may seem within the article as if I was attempting to evade but frankly, due to family matters, Debra has been absent for a number of months. MTC does not hold meetings with the formality of some groups and our member positions are often not used or followed and, for example, my telling Jonathan that I was Treasurer when I’m actually Vice President is only indicative of our informality rather than our “mystery.”
Jay Liebig,
Vice President, Malibu Township Council