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Promoting Participation in the Moraga Community
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is your relationship to the town staff and elected town council members?
The fundamental reason we exist is to keep citizens informed on issues and important meetings. This means having a relationship with the staff and council in order to know when a town-wide topic is being discussed, when citizen input is needed, and where documents are located. Moraga Citizens Network's goal is to point to the places where citizens can get information and so participate as informed people; it is NOT to take a position or present a case for a particular point of view.
If you do not collect fees or dues, how do you sustain MCN?
A 2 year cycle has evolved, revolving around the "even years" when there is a Town Council election. At that time, we prepare and offer a Candidates' Night in October so that all citizens can meet the candidates running for those seats. Because of the expenses involved in publicizing this event and the expenses involved in having a website and an email marketing software (Constant Contact) to support the bi-monthly newsletter to all members, we have a short fund-raising campaign in the fall.
How do you use the money you collect?
Our $2000 budget for 2 years breaks down like this:
Candidates' Night - 32%
Constant Contact - 27%
Website - 17%
Other fees - 15%
Publicity materials - 10%
Our actual expenses from our most recent 2-year budget cycle are:
•2010 Candidates' Night - $650.00 Nearly all of the expenses were tied to publicity. Adequate flyers, posters, and signage are a critical component for the success of our events.
•The MCN Link - $ 540.00 Fee for the email marketing software, Constant Contact, which powers The MCN Link.
•Website - $ 350.00 – Domain name and Host Renewal fees; website transfer & training
•Fees - $300.00 Includes membership in Moraga Chamber of Commerce and participation as a booth vendor in town festivals.
•Publicity materials - $200 – distributed from our booth at festivals, presentations at service organizations, etc.
As you can see, our total 2-year budget is about $2000.00.
Are you a registered non-profit organization?
Yes! Moraga Citizens Network is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation may be tax-deductible. Check with your tax advisor to be sure.
Left to right: Councilmen Roger Wykle, Mike Metcalf, Mayor Dave Trotter, Vice Mayor Ken Chew, Councilman Phil Arth. Each council member is elected for a 4 year term, elections occurring in the even numbered years. Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, starting at 7 p.m. in the JM Auditorium. The public is welcome.
A group of about 25 residents gathered in January of 2005 at the Moraga Library to discuss its dreams and concerns about Moraga. It soon became clear that what was needed was a public that was more informed and involved in the affairs of Moraga. The outcome was Moraga Citizens Network, with a vision to "promote participatory democracy in Moraga".
Town Manager Jill Keimach, Town Clerk Marty McInturff, Town Engineer Edric Kwan and Public Works staff of 8, Park & Recreation Director Jay Ingram & staff of 2, Police Chief Bob Priebe and 11 officers, Planning Department Director Shawna Brekke-Read and staff of 3, and Administrative Service Director Stephanie Hom and staff of 2.