Apr 09 2008
The people are watching.
As I do every morning, I fired up the computer over my coffee analog and checked the forum before work today. We’re in the process of conducting a healthy citizen’s debate on the proposed changes to the way our trash pickup is handled when one of our users, Glodowg, said:
“As the city attorney so nicely pointed out at the Council Meeting in March. The City Council does not need to have the citizen’s approval to change trash services.”
I thought this was worth blogging about because it reflects an attitude that has become far too prevalent at all levels of government.
The city attorney is, of course, absolutely right. The city council certainly doesn’t need (and shouldn’t have) every decision they make subject to citizen approval. That’s part of the process — we elect them and extend to them our trust to make decisions in a manner consistent with our values and needs.
Unfortunately, and at all levels, this is often taken too far. It’s a fine line to walk, to be sure, but I think that when the elected fail to hear the will of the people, or worse, ignore it, it becomes a clear breach of this extended trust.
We put people in office to work for us.
I know that if I did things that weren’t in line with my boss’ expectations I would expect to be fired.
If the People feel that our government is not working for us, they will certainly be fired at the earliest electoral opportunity.
Brave new world
We live in a new world — a world that puts two very powerful tools in the hands of each of us. Those tools are information and the means to be heard.
The internet has brought about a massive societal change. More than ever, the common person has the ability to publish their thoughts, feelings, knowledge, insight, and opinions and have them read.
Gone are the days when, for example, the Anna City Council presides over virtually empty chambers when only a couple of hardcore citizens are in attendance. Gone are the days of the government operating in a black hole.
The past year has brought about not only an increased level of awareness and interest in city business, measured in attendance at Council meetings, but also a platform for those people to report to a wider audience actions taken or proposed that they feel the citizens might have an interest in.
In the past two weeks the Anna Texas Online Forum has received 3,014 visits. Those visitors have viewed 59,231 pages. They spend on average 18 minutes perusing the site.
The People are talking.
The People are watching.
People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
“The People are talking.
The People are watching.”
And any city official, or employee, who is concerned about that? They should be. LOL
Drax0r - thanks for providing this medium for Anna residents to have a say. It is invaluable, and does not come without personal cost to you and your family.
We heart you.