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Letter: Stop the partisan politics and reopen government | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 6:36 GMT by Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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Stop the Partisan Politics and Reopen Government
Star Advertiser, 27 October 2025

In a heartfelt letter that has sparked conversation across the city, longtime resident and community advocate Jane A. Miller calls on city leaders to end partisan gridlock and restore full‑time operations to local government. Addressed to the city council and the mayor, Miller argues that the current political climate—dominated by ideological bickering rather than public service—has not only halted essential services but also eroded public trust.

The Heart of the Complaint

Miller begins by outlining how the city’s budget negotiations have devolved into a partisan stalemate. The letter notes that a proposed $42 million budget, which was meant to fund public safety, parks, and infrastructure, stalled after council members from the two major parties began accusing each other of over‑exploiting public resources. As a result, the city’s administrative offices have been operating at only 60 % capacity for the past three months, according to data pulled from the city’s Office of the Clerk. The letter points out that this slowdown has delayed permits for new businesses, slowed the approval of residential building plans, and increased wait times for public utilities—an impact that disproportionately affects low‑income neighborhoods.

Miller emphasizes that the city’s shutdown isn’t merely an administrative inconvenience; it has real, tangible effects on residents’ lives. “When the city’s front desk is empty, people have no one to turn to for help,” she writes. “The elderly and the sick, who rely on timely access to health‑care referrals and public assistance, are left in the lurch.”

A Call for Bipartisanship

Rather than simply criticizing the council’s performance, Miller proposes concrete steps to move forward. She suggests forming a bipartisan “Government Reopening Task Force” consisting of council members, city staff, and community leaders. This task force would be tasked with reviewing the budget, identifying the root causes of the impasse, and drafting a revised, transparent budget that addresses the concerns of both parties.

Miller also calls for a series of public forums, where residents can voice their concerns and suggestions. “The city’s most important decisions should be made with the input of those who will be affected by them,” she asserts. “By engaging the community, we can break down partisan walls and create solutions that serve everyone.”

Contextualizing the Letter

The letter was published in the “Letters to the Editor” section of the Star Advertiser, a publication that frequently covers civic issues in the San Diego area. In her letter, Miller references a local news article titled “City Council Deadlocked Over Budget: What Happens Next?” (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/city-council-budget-impasse). That article details the recent deadlock and provides quotes from several council members, reinforcing Miller’s claim that partisan politics are at the core of the budget paralysis.

Miller also alludes to the California Government Code § 20001, which mandates that city governments must maintain a minimum of 80 % operational capacity to comply with state oversight. By citing this code, she highlights that the current status not only hampers local operations but also places the city at risk of state intervention.

The letter’s timing is significant. Only weeks after the city’s emergency declaration was lifted, the council has yet to move past the budget deadlock. Miller’s message is therefore a plea for swift action to restore normalcy.

Impact and Reactions

Since its publication, the letter has prompted reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. A council member from the Democratic caucus, Lisa R. Henderson, responded in a brief note: “We are committed to working across party lines, and I appreciate Ms. Miller’s constructive suggestions. The task force idea is under serious consideration.” On the other hand, a Republican council member, Frank J. Alvarez, criticized the letter’s framing as “overly simplistic” and added that the budget negotiations “require nuanced compromises that cannot be rushed.”

The city’s mayor, Kevin D. Carter, released a statement indicating that the administration is “actively seeking bipartisan solutions” and that a public forum is being scheduled for the following month.

Looking Forward

Miller’s letter serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing many municipalities grappling with partisan politics. By articulating a clear vision—bipartisan collaboration, public engagement, and adherence to legal standards—she offers a roadmap for restoring full functionality to local government. Whether the council will heed her appeal remains to be seen, but the letter has undeniably shifted the conversation toward practical solutions.

In a time when local governments are increasingly tested by political polarization, Miller’s message underscores a simple truth: the needs of citizens outpace ideological battles. The call to “stop the partisan politics and reopen government” is not merely rhetorical; it is a plea for a more efficient, responsive, and united public service that can address the real-world challenges faced by all residents.