tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post7722406429797923051..comments2023-10-23T09:48:42.646-07:00Comments on Question Everything: Public Involvement--More or Less?MATT KELLYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019646896033476098noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post-3627097466338826512014-07-22T10:10:09.187-07:002014-07-22T10:10:09.187-07:00I like to participate whenever possible. It is nic...I like to participate whenever possible. It is nice to have a say when you are given the choice. I feel like places that give public involvement have close knit communities that allow for more harmony than crime. It helps the people trust their leaders when they listen to what you say. <br /><br />Zach Thalman | <a href="http://stephersonassociates.com/services/" rel="nofollow"> http://stephersonassociates.com/services/</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04848935934548608971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post-2259886233675826312014-05-05T09:52:35.802-07:002014-05-05T09:52:35.802-07:00I believe that public involvement is very importan...I believe that public involvement is very important when it comes to local city governments. Citizens tend to have great ideas and opinions in the areas that they live. Would you happen to know of any public involvement firms near Seattle, WA that I could visit and talk with? http://stephersonassociates.com/services/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post-67443573664546148912012-03-29T11:49:59.275-07:002012-03-29T11:49:59.275-07:00As I noted in the OpEd through debate OF THE ISSUE...As I noted in the OpEd through debate OF THE ISSUES, the best solutions come forward. As I've said on a number of occasions we may not agree on the issues but it is important that all perspectives are considered, and concerns addressed. We hope to achieve consensus but if not there should at least be understanding by all parties. Larry--Why do you think I started this blog, just had my 20th OpEd published, have at least(4) topics on FredTalk (and have posted 775 comments on a variety of topics under my own name) and am a Top Commenter on the Free Lance-Star website? Do you really think I’m trying to hide something? I would hope that my efforts to engage the public would speak for itself.MATT KELLYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14019646896033476098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post-35742329000769936562011-08-24T09:19:27.744-07:002011-08-24T09:19:27.744-07:00the trouble is that both public officials and some...the trouble is that both public officials and some of the public itself .... actually fear a full-bodied public process.<br /><br />and not without some justification - witness the UN conspiracy / tea party /property rights folks that showed up at the recent Spotsylvania hearings on UDAs.<br /><br />there was a suspicion, also with some justification, on the part of some of the public that a carefully manipulated series of "workshops" - had the appearance of manipulation of the way the workshops were conducted to minimize question and objections and to seek support for the planners preferred path.<br /><br />VDOT took the same approach with the Outer Connector hearings.... attempting to quiet the opponents, discourage questions and ally themselves with the public that supported their proposal.<br /><br />Glad to see Matt now wearing the other show...<br /><br />:-)<br /><br />Matt - did you do everything you should have as an elected official to encourage a legitimate public process?<br /><br />My "take" is that if public officials don't insist on fair and open public hearings.. that little by little - as controversial things come up.. one or two will do want they can to undercut the hearing process - and succeed.<br /><br />So far.. in the last 20 years .. I have yet to hear a single public official strongly advocate for more, better, open public hearings.<br /><br />Almost always..they either sit quietly or they actually work to minimize public hearings...<br /><br />In the end, we all lose because what happens is the decisions get made by smaller groups... and no matter who you are - at some point..you are not one of those in those smaller groups and you find yourself on the outside looking in ... and hoisted on your one's own petard!<br /><br />Just once - I'd like to see a candidate for office have as one of their promises - to seek to have open hearings... and to minimize closed meetings ....to only what is absolutely required.Larry Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02282254026681944326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967431791857941720.post-58199017786254054622011-08-23T08:50:44.910-07:002011-08-23T08:50:44.910-07:00Matt, good post. Local government should be where ...Matt, good post. Local government should be where the citizens are the most active. I do agree that the problem with Fredericksburg's local government is two-fold - a lack of quality information and decisions made without concern for comments or the public's position. However, if issues are devisive, the more reason to include the public in them, regardless of how bitter it gets - that's the American process and is a system that works. If devisive decisions are made without public debate, then is the council doing its job in representing the public's interest? However, many times I've felt that speaking to the city council at its meeting is a "feel good" opportunity for the public as I have yet to see any decision altered or shelved based upon comments made by the public. <br /><br />Mike LandreeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com