What Can You Do to Make Local and City Government Work?

In reading an AC article by Travis Reems, called City Government Can Work, I had to chuckle at his classic account of most people's concept of city and local government at its finest. Oftentimes fixing a parking ticket and tales of money-under-the-table and the "good ole' boys" method of running local government are the accepted perception by the local population. Years and generations of exactly that kind of governance has cemented this opinion in the minds of the citizens, leaving the citizens feeling change is impossible.

In reality, change is inevitable. The only thing that can change what kind of change happens in our local government is for local citizens to become involved. The most obvious influence any citizen can have on government is to be a registered voter. Contact your local city hall or voting registration office to register to vote in your state and municipality. This is one of the most important rights of American citizens. Transferring our registration should be among the first things we take care of when we move to a new location. If we take a few minutes of our time while we are out securing our utilities and mail services, we can be assured of being able to vote in coming elections.

Once we have secured our voting registration, we must make ourselves familiar with the local government and elected officials. Referring to the local newspapers is an easy way to get a good picture of what's going on in the government of your town. The local library usually has copies of the paper for you to read for free, and in some cases, back issues to get a bit of history of the politics. The newspaper office itself may offer past issues or electronically stored issues for you to read.

Another excellent resource for learning about the local political scene is to hang out in places where the local residents hang out. A coffee shop or donut shop is often a rich resource where long time residents meet and discuss the topics of the day. You will often find a full range of opinions on whatever issues are in the forefront of community concern. Your neighbors may be familiar with issues of the local government that will directly affect you.

The internet is another great place to begin your involvement in local government. In addition to access to area newspaper and television station websites, many cities and municipalities have their own websites. These websites often have listings and profiles of the elected officials. Phone numbers for the local government offices and for contacting the elected officials. They may publish their city codes and ordinances on-line. These websites may include city council meeting schedules, meeting minutes, public announcements, notification of public hearings and town hall meetings, in addition to statistical information on your city.

Above all, direct personal involvement in your local government is the most effective thing you can do to make local and city government work at its best. We often think that one person can't make that much of a difference. From my own experience, I have found that being there will give you a familiarity of the running of the city and will give the elected officials a familiarity of you! Because so few people choose to be an active part of their government, the people who do come are usually appreciated by your officials. One of the most common, and valid, complaints of local government officials is that people don't show up at public meetings unless they have a complaint. You can learn a great deal by just attending the meetings and listening to what transpires. There is usually a time set aside during the meeting for citizens to make comments for the record on topics of concern to them. Not only do you get to express your opinion, but your elected officials are compelled to listen and your comments become a matter of public record. Your attendance also gives you a factual account of city issues rather than just rumor or biased opinion. You will learn of issues as they come up and be able to rally support when needed to influence your government in a different direction. You will also learn of your community's plans for future growth and development. You will find that the more you participate and the more you learn, the more involved you will want to be. You may find yourself attending not only city government meetings, but also planning and development department meetings, county meetings and school board meetings. You don't have to run for office to affect positive change for your community.

One thing is certain-if you never participate, you will never effectively influence change in your corner of the world. You never know just how much of an impact you can make until you make the effort to become involved and pursue positive change for your community.