Some call these citizens “government watchdogs.” Others have deemed them “nitpickers.” Regardless of label, a common thread bonds these few committed souls who participate in democracy by holding elected officials accountable and providing input to the decision-makers. Kapa‘a residents Glenn
Some call these citizens “government watchdogs.” Others have deemed them “nitpickers.”
Regardless of label, a common thread bonds these few committed souls who participate in democracy by holding elected officials accountable and providing input to the decision-makers.
Kapa‘a residents Glenn Mickens and Ken Taylor are among the most recognizable faces who appear and testify at the regular civic meetings on Kaua‘i.
“I totally love this island paradise with its mountains, waterfalls, oceans and breathtaking beauty, and want to do all I can to preserve it,” Mickens said. “There are many other dedicated people on Kaua‘i who would spend their time at these meetings with me but are busy working two and three jobs to survive.”
He and Taylor are among those who now carry the torch for previous government watchdogs Ray Chuan and Alfred Stauber, who have served their time trying to ensure that proposed policies truly benefit the island as a whole.
But others, including Princeville resident Walter Lewis, have stopped attending meetings due to lack of faith in the system.
“County Council members have a preconceived agenda,” he said. “They’re willing to receive testimony because it’s required by their rules. It matters little in their decision process, and the testimony by and large is not implemented.”
Although not all county officials would agree with his claims, at times their eyes seem glazed with disinterest and some have been seen nodding off while these all-too familiar residents deliver testimony.
County Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, a former government watchdog herself, called the nitpickers a “very valuable resource.”
“Democracy only works well when we have actively participating citizens,” she said.
But the role carries with it a certain responsibility that entails research and listening to the other side, she said.
“When you get a soapbox to speak from, it’s really important to have your facts accurate and really listen carefully to what’s happening — not make assumptions, not jump to quick conclusions,” Yukimura said. “You really have to become an expert in the subject so you can perform to the highest ideal. You can lead people in the wrong place.”
Finding common ground is critical, she said, noting the need to acknowledge the good work on both sides to build partnerships that perform better problem solving.
“It can get to an attitude where, if you don’t agree with me, you’re wrong and stupid,” she said. “That’s more destructive than helpful.”
Kapa‘a resident Horace Stoessel said he considers himself a student of the charter, the county’s constitution, more than a government watchdog.
“It is easy to overlook the fact that we are self-governing, i.e. that government involves everyone, not just the elected and appointed officials to whom we entrust governing powers and responsibilities,” he said. “As the Sunshine Law puts it, ‘government agencies exist to aid the people in the formation and conduct of public policy.’”
Mickens said one of his major goals is to challenge anyone or any project that is not in the best interest of the majority of the people on Kaua‘i.
He lists his efforts for the past 14 years to get the administration and the council to “properly” pave and repave the county’s roads.
“I have presented facts and figures year after year showing how huge amounts of tax money is being wasted by antiquated paving methods, but to date I have accomplished nothing,” he said.
Mickens has also been without luck thus far in his fight for the past nine months against the county’s executive session policy that he said too often leaves the public “out of the equation.”
Despite end results, he and a handful of others remain dedicated to their cause.
Lewis attributes an $85 million savings in taxpayer dollars to the grunt work of government watchdogs.
In 2001, he said, there was a proposal to buy the local electric company for roughly $300 million.
“We offered critical objections to that, and the council concurred,” he said, noting that the next year the utility was bought for $215 million. “I think it was the public testimony of people like Glenn Mickens and some of the rest of us who were influential in achieving a major savings for the county.”
Mickens said there are far better watchdogs than himself who have crusaded against the wrongs of government, including Andy Parx, Ed Coll, Carol Bain, Monroe Richman, Bruce Pleas and John Hoff.
“We have some fine dedicated nitpickers on Kaua‘i, and I salute all of them and thank them for their efforts to keep Kaua‘i Kaua‘i,” he said.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
