|
I believe strongly that every citizen has the right to be heard and the responsibility to participate in the decisions that directly affect them!
Participation in the democratic process at every level is a fundamental right and responsibility of every citizen. You can get involved by voting, knowing your elected officials and how to contact them, learning about community issues, running for office, participating on governmental or other committees, and voicing opinions individually and collectively. This participation requires work, stamina, and perseverance on the part of each person in our community. Our country was founded on this ideal, and when citizens fail to exercise this right and responsibility, they relinquish their power of decision-making to those who may not represent the best interests of the community.
It is also the responsibility of elected officials to invite, encourage, support, and extend gratitude for citizen participation. Seeking out diverse and differing opinions, fostering constructive dialogue, and fully exploring new ideas should be the hallmark of our local government. These are the keys to improved decision-making - a horizontal approach that engages many voices, rather than a "top-down" approach that disregards the desire of citizens to play a fundamental role in our community's future.
Democratic processes that are open and inviting provide a catalyst for citizen engagement. When the contributions of citizens are validated, rather than discouraged, the continued engagement of our citizens is guaranteed. Each of us also has the responsibility to ensure that those who may not have a direct voice are represented on each level of the democratic process in Athens.
Lines of communication between our government and our citizens should be opened and strengthened. Our commission should openly discuss issues of importance and individual commissioners' viewpoints should not be suppressed, regardless of the popularity of their views. The same should hold true for citizen viewpoints. Dissent is the hallmark of our democracy and the path to renewal.
Elected officials cannot possibly know everything about every issue, but it is their responsibility to stay informed on topics that affect our community. Relying on our citizens for valuable ideas and expertise will assist our elected officials in their quest to stay informed. A genuine invitation for input from the people of Athens-Clarke County continues to bring about a watershed of response. The free exchange of ideas leads to the best solutions! I promise to continue to do all I can to preserve and encourage citizen participation just as I have since taking office.
Back to Issues
|
