Communication, Communication, Communication!!!
If there is anything specific to learn from the political turmoil of the last four years it would be effective communication. The three components that I believe would help are:
Broadcast News - this is the weekly (more often if necessary) broadcast email. The concept is great and it has proven to be informative and helpful to those that receive it. Just make certain that it doesn't read like someone's campaign literature or subject specific propaganda. Consider, at least, a one time mailing of postcards to property owners to encourage more readership.
Town Meeting - this might be a sore topic with some, but based on the "Mayor's Chat" concept, I really believe there is merit to an open discussion format separate from the regular Council meetings. Currently, at Council meetings there are two opportunities for public comment. Normally, council members do not respond to or answer questions posed, which is appropriate in this venue. A bi-annual or quarterly community meeting, where the public and council members are allowed to interact and obtain answers to their concerns, would lead to the perception of more openness and transparency in our local government.
Solidarity Board - (In know it's a strange title, but I'm weary of trying to come up with a better one) a standing committee or board made up of representatives from the Southern Shores Civic Association, Chicahauk Property Owners Association, Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Dept., Duck Woods Country Club and the TOSS. The purpose of this group would be primarily informational, a forum for each organization to fully express their needs and initiatives so that a common understanding of community issues can be achieved. I would hope that a group such as this would help alleviate much of the adversity and misunderstandings that have surfaced over the last few years.
Thank you, David, for the thoughtful suggestions. I especially like the Solidarity Board. Wouldn't it be nice to work in unison for the good of all of Southern Shores! What a lovely opportunity for us.
ReplyDeleteDavid, nice post. I just hope the new council forgets to implement the superiority complex that has been the hallmark of every mayor and council that has been in office during my 18 years here. Then it truly will be a lovely opportunity for ALL of us. Peggy Wilson
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI respectfully disagree with your concept of a "Solidarity Board." Frankly, I wonder why you didn't throw in the Boat Club and the Tennis Club. I am going to speak Greek here. What in hell's business does the collective membership of the Country Club and the Fire Department (and Boat Club & Tennis Club) have to do with good government in Southern Shores! Don't you see? This has been our problem all along! Not everyone in TOSS belongs to these organizations. I belong to one; and there are a good majority that don't belong to any. We need a town council that is responsive to every individual citizen's needs and it should not be based upon their representation by one of these organizations.
The average person in SS does not sit around the country club or fire department and gripe and plan what they want for our town. I say, "to hell with both of them when it comes to politics!" In that arena I don't want either of them speaking for me. It's past time we dumped the country club mentality in Southern Shores. Then and only then will the entire town unify behind its elected leaders.
Ray Midgett