United States Government

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

There are a couple of problems that exist with regard to local government officials, which hinders local government from being the best it can be. On top of that, if you add into the equation that elected local government officials who are making the decisions in local governments, are amateurs. Following through on that premise, if citizens would take the time to attend local government meetings and “watch” local government, local officials would take a little extra care to make sure that their job is done properly. More people need to get involved with their local governments instead of moaning and groaning and sitting back and not doing anything about problems they may have issues about.

You will receive better government because by simply watching a meeting, you will prompt local officials to do a more thorough job of research and deliberation. They will realize that the citizens really do care what is happening and want to be able to voice their opinions when they feel the need. They will want to have all the answers and be able to anticipate any and all questions that the citizen might throw at them. So, what is a person to do when they believe they have something important to say to their local government? A good start would be to attend local government meetings and bring up the subject in question and explain your concerns as thoroughly as you can. . We have a national problem, but without being able to identify just exactly why, it is very difficult to come up with solutions. Getting along with politicians, government officials and city employees is very important.

Over the years I have seen many citizens appear at these meeting without a written speech or even notes. You need to start by deciding what is the one BIG reason for you supporting or opposing an issue. Your one BIG reason is how you start and end every discussion of the issue. If you don’t have one BIG reason, you risk the danger of switching your reasons around from one discussion to the next and then nothing can get settled and you will just be going around in circles. If you are going to be having an interest in a particular issue, find out what exactly the rules and process will be for a person be bring up the issue. If you expect to be taken seriously on issues, you can’t afford to lose credibility by not knowing the rules and procedures set up by the local council. You must make sure you are informed on the proper procedures.

You’ll be glad that you went out of your way to attend these meeting and meet with you local government employees when something like the situation above happens, because you might be able to head off any problems early on, by a simple phone call to your local mayor or council person. You must be prepared, if you wish to be successful. Send a letter to each of the members of the board or committee you wish to convey your message and try to convey exactly what you expect and want to accomplish.