Beat Memo

I will focus on the city government of Palo Alto.

I think the best way to understand a country is to observe its political structures and operations.

Since a nation’s political system can reflect the beliefs of its citizens, covering the city government will help me understand American culture and the complex political mechanism of the United States.

Besides, Taiwanese people have always taken the United States as their model, no matter in public policy or in fashion. However, every system has its weaknesses and strengths. I want to find out the differences between these two political systems and how these differences affect their policy making process and the lives of their citizens.

Finally, as the beat of city government will cover almost every issue, it is a great opportunity to know the agendas of each beat and to establish relationship with experts, interest groups and community leaders.

Among the wide variety of issues involved in city government, I am especially interested in the interaction among city government, state government and federal government. I want to explore how the policies and decisions of state and federal governments can affect those of city government and the whole community.

The first story I will write is about the meeting of the city’s planning and transportation commission on 10/10/01. As transportation is listed among the top five council priorities and transportation has been a big issue in the community, I want to know the issues Palo Alto residents care about.

I will also write a story about the emergency systems in the community. If something like the Sep. 11 happens in Palo Alto, the residents need to know how to reach help and the local government needs to have a plan in evacuation and protection.

As the council election is approaching, I will participate in the city council forums to know the agenda and the backgrounds of candidates.

Below is the schedule of the forum:

1. 10/10, 7:30 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, Hamilton Avenue and Waverley Street
2. 10/14, 4:30 p.m., Café Riace, 200 Sheridan Ave.
3. 10/16 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1140 Cowper Street
4. 10/18 7:00 p.m., Avenidas Senior Center, 450 Bryant Street
5. 10/24 7:00 p.m., Mitchell Park Community Center
6. 10/25 8:00 p.m., the Palo Alto Daily News will host a forum on Cable Channel 6.

I really hope you can teach me how to present these tedious stories in an interesting way.

Thank you.

I-Chun Che