ZONING Board member Steve Jang was in the middle of his presentation on reforming zoning rules at the multi-purpose center on Tuesday when Zoning Administrator Therese T. Ogumoro interrupted him.
Later, in a letter to Zoning Board Chair Henry S. Hofschneider, Jang said that “the manner in which [his] presentation was halted was unfortunate.”
Jang’s presentation on “quantum social development” was included in the “new business” portion of the meeting agenda. Prior to his presentation, the board entertained conditional use applications by two local companies and requests to amend conditional use permits by three other businesses.
Quantum social development, according to Jang, means “creating rapid and transformative changes in society, kind of like a leap forward, not just slow progress.”
He said his idea of “quantum,” means big, sudden changes that can lead to progress and improvement.
He added that quantum social development “is about using bold ideas, smart strategies, and sometimes technology or reform to solve deep problems fast — like poverty, bad governance, or poor education — and create a better quality of life for everyone.”
“It’s the opposite of ‘business-as-usual.’ It means thinking outside the box to change systems, not just fix symptoms,” Jang said.
He then started talking about the “current problem” pertaining to “red tape” and “outdated laws and systems.”
At this juncture, Ogumoro interrupted Jang and raised concern about his presentation.
Also present in the meeting were the board chair, Henry S. Hofschneider, vice chair Mike Evangelista, board member Charlotte R. Cepeda and Assistant Attorney General Charles P. Reyes Jr.
In an interview after the meeting, Ogumoro said it would be most appropriate to address operational issues with the zoning administrator and the board first.
In his letter to Hofschneider, Jang said he was sharing examples of challenges faced by local businesses and providing context intended to inform policy development.
“At that point, Zoning Administrator Ms. Therese Ogumoro interrupted the presentation, expressing concern that my remarks were critical of her staff. The presentation was then brought to a premature end,” Jang said.
While he understands the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional tone in public meetings, Jang said he believes that Ogumoro’s manner of stopping his presentation was “unfortunate.”
He said the information he was sharing was not intended to single out individuals, but rather “to illuminate systemic issues and to propose actionable reforms that align with the goals of the Zoning Board and the broader public interest.”
“Public forums such as Zoning Board meetings are vital platforms for the exchange of ideas, including constructive feedback. Upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement ensures that both government representatives and community members can work together effectively to address challenges and pursue meaningful improvements,” Jang said.
He requested Hofschneider to let the board review the matter to ensure that future public discussions remain open, inclusive, and conducive to collaborative progress.
“I remain committed to working in partnership with the Board, the administration, and our community stakeholders to support policies that foster responsible development and public trust,” Jang said.
Zoning Board member Steve Jang speaks during his presentation at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Tuesday.
Zoning Administrator Therese T. Ogumoro speaks during a board meeting at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Tuesday.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
