In Shenandoah we have a small population as well as an aging population. One of the great comforts among the retired and semi-retired is the opportunity to attend morning coffee shop gatherings. It is in every way a religious gathering. Though on Sundays people can miss out on church and religious observance, but under no circumstances can they miss out on daily morning coffee and the local gossip. It can be a collection in the range of two to twenty people. Oftentimes the primary use of such occasions is to gossip and complain about the goings on locally. Conversations tend to stretch matters more over local interests than national or global. Let's delve into this matter.
I've been in office coming up on five months now. One of the biggest decisions I've helped make is the construction of a new water plant. Of course there are those for and against the project. The biggest concern has been the effect on household taxes. Those against the measure are adamant about their taxes being high. In the coffee shop, criticism is sharp against elected officials and the way they handle city business and recently business concerning the new water plant. Though all their concerns are valid they still openly question the motives and procedures of the City Council.
However, I speak to you now of personal responsibility. Whomever reads this will not look upon me favorably and I welcome comments at the bottom of this post. Never have I seen a great public showing at City Council meetings by citizens expressing concern about their taxes or any other concern. Most of the attendees of Council meetings are those in city departments such as Street Department, Park and Recreation, Water Treatment or other city officials. Also in attendance are those specifically asked by the Mayor, City Administrator or City Council as part of recognition or to address about a specific concern.
It is a joy and a refreshing feeling to have a citizen attend the City Council meeting with a legitimate concern that effects them. They come and take part in the process. They come and address the Council, ask questions and hopefully get a satisfactory response or resolution to the matter.
We are elected by you to make large decisions reflecting the greater interest of the citizens of Shenandoah, Iowa. You are our boss! You have the right and duty to attend the many meetings open and available to you. You have the right and open invitation to attend the City Council meeting and any number of board and committee meetings adjacent to it. Concerning the water plant, instead of complaining and wondering why certain decisions are made, or our thinking at the time, you need to come to the meeting, and voice your questions and concerns. That is where enlightenment takes place!
Twice on each agenda of City Council meetings are opportunities for the public to address the Council. After hearing the Council discussion on an issue it is at that time that you voice your thoughts during the Citizens Opportunity to Address the Council. You have the right to your opinions and complaints. Yet, for your own good make sure your feelings are well informed ones. Attend the City Council meetings and be informed as to how your elected officials handle the business of the city of Shenandoah.
After the meeting you may still harbor ill feelings toward the Council decisions but at least you'll come away hopefully understanding the reasons why. The vast majority of those in the "coffee shop" mode never step inside a Council meeting. Yet they are quick to dissect the decisions of those elected officials. Again, it is their right to do so but the price paid is their own lack of knowledge of up-to-date information.
As a taxpayer you have the right to have your voice heard! Be responsible and gather pertinent information inherent to your concern. When you address the Council you complete a circle that our Founding Fathers helped forge from the blood and sweat of many thousands. You reflect a voice. When you express your voice you further advance a government for the people, of the people and by the people.
I've been in office coming up on five months now. One of the biggest decisions I've helped make is the construction of a new water plant. Of course there are those for and against the project. The biggest concern has been the effect on household taxes. Those against the measure are adamant about their taxes being high. In the coffee shop, criticism is sharp against elected officials and the way they handle city business and recently business concerning the new water plant. Though all their concerns are valid they still openly question the motives and procedures of the City Council.
However, I speak to you now of personal responsibility. Whomever reads this will not look upon me favorably and I welcome comments at the bottom of this post. Never have I seen a great public showing at City Council meetings by citizens expressing concern about their taxes or any other concern. Most of the attendees of Council meetings are those in city departments such as Street Department, Park and Recreation, Water Treatment or other city officials. Also in attendance are those specifically asked by the Mayor, City Administrator or City Council as part of recognition or to address about a specific concern.
It is a joy and a refreshing feeling to have a citizen attend the City Council meeting with a legitimate concern that effects them. They come and take part in the process. They come and address the Council, ask questions and hopefully get a satisfactory response or resolution to the matter.
We are elected by you to make large decisions reflecting the greater interest of the citizens of Shenandoah, Iowa. You are our boss! You have the right and duty to attend the many meetings open and available to you. You have the right and open invitation to attend the City Council meeting and any number of board and committee meetings adjacent to it. Concerning the water plant, instead of complaining and wondering why certain decisions are made, or our thinking at the time, you need to come to the meeting, and voice your questions and concerns. That is where enlightenment takes place!
Twice on each agenda of City Council meetings are opportunities for the public to address the Council. After hearing the Council discussion on an issue it is at that time that you voice your thoughts during the Citizens Opportunity to Address the Council. You have the right to your opinions and complaints. Yet, for your own good make sure your feelings are well informed ones. Attend the City Council meetings and be informed as to how your elected officials handle the business of the city of Shenandoah.
After the meeting you may still harbor ill feelings toward the Council decisions but at least you'll come away hopefully understanding the reasons why. The vast majority of those in the "coffee shop" mode never step inside a Council meeting. Yet they are quick to dissect the decisions of those elected officials. Again, it is their right to do so but the price paid is their own lack of knowledge of up-to-date information.
As a taxpayer you have the right to have your voice heard! Be responsible and gather pertinent information inherent to your concern. When you address the Council you complete a circle that our Founding Fathers helped forge from the blood and sweat of many thousands. You reflect a voice. When you express your voice you further advance a government for the people, of the people and by the people.
