(This week’s civic education and engagement column from Danville’s The Republican newspaper.)
Over the past two years, I’ve used this space as a way to help readers develop a deeper understanding of how local government works and how they can play a role in helping their local governments better serve residents and the communities they call home.
Across many years as an elected official, I was frequently struck by how little most people actually know about the government bodies that have the greatest impact on their daily lives. The rise of social media and its aggressive stream of incorrect information about local government worsens that knowledge deficit and sharpens my desire to set the record straight. I’m not delusional enough to believe my words can fix the gap on a large scale, but at least I can make sure the readers of The Republican continue to be better-informed than their neighbors. (Your subscription is a small investment in expanding your knowledge.)
I’ve written about a wide range of topics – some amusing, others terrifying, and many that may not seem all that exciting, but are still important. As I develop new columns, I’m interested in learning what you would like to know more about – because it’s likely that other readers are also curious about the same thing.
Do you have a suggestion for a topic that would interest you? Is there a question you’ve had forever about local government, but just haven’t known who to ask? What about local government has never made sense to you? Is there something you see elected officials doing that has you scratching your head – or pounding it against the wall? Do you wonder why government doesn’t do something that seems like a much smarter way to operate?
If you’re involved in local government as either an elected official or employee, what do you wish the residents you serve understood about your role, and how it impacts the health of their communities and the quality of life those places provide? What’s a myth you hear so often it gives you an instant headache?
You can email your questions or suggestions to sflood@sfwriting.com. Please put something like “Republican column idea” in the subject line so I don’t assume you’re trying to sell me something and send you into the Spam can.
I’ll warn you upfront that I don’t have all the answers. Fortunately, I usually know where those answers can be found. Nor can I promise that your suggestions and questions will definitely become columns. Some topics are just too complex to cover in this small space, but I’ll do my darndest. Also, don’t be hurt if it takes a few weeks or months to see your idea in print.
One exception: please don’t ask me to investigate that town council member who you’ve heard has a basement full of gold bars he received as kickbacks for pushing that new whatever project that wasn’t really needed because the existing whatever was perfectly fine. The vast majority of rumors of official malfeasance and misconduct among local government officials just aren’t true. People who spread those rumors aren’t nearly as well-informed – or smart – as they think. (If you know for a fact that a government official or employee has done something illegal, don’t tell me about it – call the Attorney General’s office, the State Police, or the FBI right away so they can investigate the matter.)