Government Code § 51901
ARTICLE 1. Findings and Declarations of Policy
It is further found and declared that local government must be responsive and its elected officials readily accountable to the needs of the people; it must be visible and representative in order to permit greater participation in governmental affairs by the public; and elected and appointed officials should have more clearly defined areas of responsibility and authority, so that the people may have more success in seeking action and redress from their government.