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Citizens' voice
Published 6/29/2009 in Commentary : Editorial
A survey showed that when it comes to connecting with the public, the Garden City Commission has some work to do.
In the recent community survey, 55 percent of respondents were least satisfied with the effectiveness of city government communication. Forty percent of respondents were least satisfied with the public's ability to be involved in local decisions.
Such feedback has led city commissioners to continue seeking ways to reach more people. As part of that, the City Commission is planning a town hall-style meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the courtyard at Garden City High School.
Unlike other City Commission meetings that focus on specific items, this one will feature an open agenda, with the City Commission fielding questions and providing answers on "any issue whatsoever," Garden City Communications Specialist Tanner Lucas said.
The hope is a more relaxed atmosphere and evening meeting time that would allow more citizens who work days to attend also will generate more public attendance and participation than the commission usually sees.
It's an intriguing notion that's worth a try. A good turnout would mean the city should schedule at least a few such meetings a year, to build on that momentum.
Governing bodies should be open to new ways to improve communication with the people they serve. In Garden City, that's meant such stepped-up efforts as hiring Lucas as the city's communications specialist, putting out information through a city newsletter, Web site and television channel, and more.
At the same time, though, the effort has to go both ways. Indeed, citizens themselves have an obligation to show they're interested in the work of their government. Too often, citizens are the ones who come up short in that regard.
It's discouraging when few, if any, people show up for public meetings to observe and participate as their government addresses such important issues as how to spend their taxpayer dollars.
Citizens who shirk that responsibility have no one to blame but themselves when their government makes questionable decisions.
Tuesday's meeting offers a unique opportunity for residents to get involved, and offer input on any topics that matter to them. Citizens should take advantage.
How do you think the Garden City's commission and residents could improve communication? Talk about it at SWKTalk.com.
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