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Mr. Campbell asked about Commissions' making or taking political stances. The Housing Commission's recent stand on Measure V is used as a recent example. Does the Housing Commission have to have the item on its agenda in order for that to take place? Ms. McKeehan said that as a Commission, it would have to be on the agenda. Mr. Campbell asked if staff was asked to prepare a staff report. Ms. McKeehan said that in this case it did happen, but this was not just related to Measure V. The situation has occurred before. This is the most recent example. Staff replied that they could not do it, because we do not weigh in on political activities. She said Council has never taken a position on whether a Commission body could take a position or not. Staff does not get involved in elections. Mr. Campbell said it was on the agenda and the Commission voted to take a position, but it was not supplied a staff report written by any staff member. He had no problem with Commissions' taking a stance on political issues, but if staff is uncomfortable preparing reports and do not want to be involved with it, it can happen just the way it recently happened. A commission can take a position but will not have any assistance from staff for the discussion. Staff would stay on the sideline. He felt that people on the Commissions are making an educated guess on this, and this is simply another way for the public to get a gauge of what people think. Even though the Commission makes a recommendation, ultimately the people will make their own decision on how they will vote. It is just another way to educate the public about a particular issue. Ms. Ayala said the Council could advise the Commissions to not take a stance, but staff has already done that, and the Commission did it anyway. What is going to be the difference if it is the Council advising them not to do it or if it is staff saying the same thing. Ms. McKeehan said all of the commissions were advisory with the exception of the Planning Commission which does have some final decision making authority. The rest of the commission actions are advisory to the Council. The Mayor asked for public comment. Vanessa Kawaihau, 871 Sycamore Road, said it is questionable as to whether or not a person should be able to vote twice on an item and, especially if it leads to some sort of policy. She did not think commissions should be stifled because they are advising Council. Sometimes the Council misses what is necessary for the community. She did not feel Council should take the ability or the right for a sitting commission to take a position on any particular measure or other political item. Pleasanton City Council 19 03/04/03 Minutes