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<br />. <br /> <br />"In many ways 1985 is a blur of images and energy, not specifics and facts. <br />It was city life in the fast lane, it was complex, and it was rewarding. <br /> <br />"I think any thoughtful reflection of the city for 1985 requires a statement <br />of the very premise from which we govern. <br /> <br />1. The very first is representative democracy. We take it very <br />seriously. We work to effectively represent the democratic spirit. <br />As a council, we can only learn about our community's needs and <br />wants from those we are elected to represent. In a balance with <br />leadership, we try to stay close to our constituents. <br /> <br />2. Direct services--we hold that basic services to this community are <br />our first and highest priority. It is only after those services are <br />delivered adequately that we pursue other important city services <br />and programs. <br /> <br />3. Equity--we continually strive to achieve equitable delivery of <br />services to all quarters of the city. Tight budgets, modest growth, <br />shifting popUlations, and political frustrations make this an <br />interesting challenge, but one which we must meet, and I think we <br />have done so in 1985. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />4. Limits of government--City government services are, and must be, <br />limited. We cannot service all needs indefinitely or without <br />boundaries. We make decisions about City policy, projects, <br />revenues, and services, almost all of which go to the pUblic for <br />broad discussion, public hearing, and in many cases a city-wide <br />vote. As a council, we have an obligation and responsibility to <br />assess priorities and goals--we will continue looking in new <br />directions--continue considering new options, but we understand, <br />just as the residents of Eugene must understand, that government <br />cannot, and will not, be the fam;ry-of last resort. <br /> <br />5. Human Dignity--we believe in the basic democratic value of human <br />dignity. Defining human dignity can be a searching process, one <br />that is dynamic and altered by each individual. But we govern with <br />the understanding that every citizen is important, their lives and <br />well being essential to the whole, and that each person must have <br />equal respect, focus, and sensitivity from the council. <br /> <br />"We started 1985 by hearing from our Mayor, Brian Obie. Brian is a dedicated, <br />aggressive, and determined Mayor for the city of Eugene and we appreciate <br />that. When we heard the announcement of his five-point economic development <br />plan, The Eugene Agenda, we knew a new era had arrived. <br /> <br />liThe debate in council sessions and public meetings about The Eugene Agenda <br />was the time during 1985 when council members, the Mayor, the public, and the <br />media all pounded our tympani. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />January 6, 1986 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br />