On-line Political Forums

There has been controversy and some sensationalism surrounding the on-line political forums presented by The Citizen, but objectively…why shouldn’t “ordinary” citizens be able to reach and question candidates for leadership in our community, and why wouldn’t a political candidate welcome the opportunity to present their views. Why wouldn’t any method of communication be considered viable and valuable? Aren’t curious, informed, concerned and involved citizens and voters what we want? How can citizens be well represented collectively and individually when there is no communication and no true discourse? How far off the path of democracy have we veered when those in political power choose to sit aloof and untouchable? Are we truly in a “them” and “us” society, and is this where we should be, especially on the local level?

I have lived in PTC for 22 years and recently I have been concerned about many of the actions taken by the city council concerning issues that affect the quality of life in this area. I have attended meetings and I have periodically voiced my views and opinions both in the newspaper and on this blog, but even though my thoughts seem to fit in with the majority of the local citizens, I have found no positive response to these views. I have become frustrated and angry because people like me seemingly have no voice in running our local government, which should be the hallmark of our community.

I realize that there are certainly different perspectives from various angles. There may also be information that is not readily available that could change views or opinions. The local political leaders might have acceptable reasons for their actions that I am unaware of. There just might be some justification for some of the decisions that seem incredibly uninformed and unreasonable to the ordinary citizen.

I have often thought that it would be ideal to have a forum where I could ask some pointed questions of the leaders who are making decisions that affect my life. I would like some responsive answers that perhaps would change my mind about some of the incredible things that are happening all over Fayette County. Conversely, those in leadership just might benefit from the input of their citizens.

Political leaders and political candidates should be accountable to the people that they represent. I feel that many voices have been squashed in the political process and have become lost in the whirlwind. Many of these lost voices are can go beyond complaining to offer sound ideas and suggestions. It may be time to use whatever means necessary to connect those in leadership with those being represented so that we can all get on the same page.

In many ways, it is time to change the landscape in Fayette County. I am hoping that as we move forward, our political leaders will come to embrace the idea of on-line political forums and will willingly share their views to some of the questions that need answering.

Haddix: Arf & tc

Submitted by Don Haddix on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 1:37pm.

Some excellent comments from both.

I will not touch upon any of the statements regarding candidates running for office. It is their election cycle, not mine.

But, on the comments about already elected official, I have a couple of comments to make, since I am one.

Councilman Doug Sturbaum and I ran on platforms of openness, which promises we have kept.

Concerning an online forum for elected officials for PTC, I would refer you to this thread.

For a public announcement, input and Q&A online forum with maintained records for Councilman Doug Sturbaum and myself, I would refer you to donhaddix.com.

While it has been mentioned to many and announced on both The Citizen print and online editions, I believe many citizens are not aware of the existence of this communications tool.

We just don't want to be seen as elected officials who want to minimize the 'risks' that come with uncontrolled communications.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

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Open Access is Always Good

Submitted by tc on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 9:34am.

You make some excellent points. The way our government/school board meetings are set up makes it pointless for the public to attend, much less make comments. If you attend, you don't have access to the documents that the council or board has. When someone speaks to an elected group, most times their comments are not even acknowledged or recorded - sort of like talking to a dead horse. An overhaul is in order!

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