Finally an approach worthy of citizen participation.
http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/news/stories/20040322/opinion/125701.html
Inclusion, openness and ethics
By David Shaver
From the mayor's desk
C O L U M N
This is the first in a series of monthly articles that I will be writing for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. I want to thank the paper for this opportunity to convey to the larger community the vision of my administration. I am hopeful that my contributions in this public forum will spur dialogue and spark creative approaches to the future development of our community.
While I will address a different pressing issue in each subsequent article, I would like to take this initial opportunity to present the three major principles that will guide my term as mayor of Pickerington. These three principles are inclusion, openness and ethical impeccability.
The democratic ideal upon which our country is built rests upon a foundation of widespread citizen participation.
Voting is of course the most obvious form of participation. It is not practical for most people to be more involved in national and state governance than to be knowledgeable about the issues and to elect representatives that voice the people's positions and concerns. However, local government affords the citizenry a much greater opportunity to directly and personally influence their elected officials and the policies that affect the community.
The issue of growth has sparked much debate within our community.
The result has been a more vigorous and widespread participation in the political process.
I would point to the number of people who vied for City Council and school board positions as proof of this point. This is a good thing. It is my goal to continue to include as many people as possible in the process of determining the goals of our community and the means to attain those goals.
I will involve as many people as I can on the various committees that oversee city operations. I will solicit input from all interested parties as we work with the consultants who will help shape our policy for responsible growth management.
Good governance must also be open to scrutiny at all times. Decisions made behind closed doors restrict participation and invite mistrust. The public has the right to expect that local government is not subject to influence or favoritism. People have the right to expect that the selection of contractors to provide services to the city will be done on the basis of fair competition.
I intend to open these processes for all to see, ensuring that government officials are acting in accordance with the will of the people.
In addition to an inclusive and open government, the people have the right to hold their elected officials to the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. These standards must be defined and made public.
By - changes happen with people
http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/news/stories/20040322/opinion/125701.html
Inclusion, openness and ethics
By David Shaver
From the mayor's desk
C O L U M N
This is the first in a series of monthly articles that I will be writing for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. I want to thank the paper for this opportunity to convey to the larger community the vision of my administration. I am hopeful that my contributions in this public forum will spur dialogue and spark creative approaches to the future development of our community.
While I will address a different pressing issue in each subsequent article, I would like to take this initial opportunity to present the three major principles that will guide my term as mayor of Pickerington. These three principles are inclusion, openness and ethical impeccability.
The democratic ideal upon which our country is built rests upon a foundation of widespread citizen participation.
Voting is of course the most obvious form of participation. It is not practical for most people to be more involved in national and state governance than to be knowledgeable about the issues and to elect representatives that voice the people's positions and concerns. However, local government affords the citizenry a much greater opportunity to directly and personally influence their elected officials and the policies that affect the community.
The issue of growth has sparked much debate within our community.
The result has been a more vigorous and widespread participation in the political process.
I would point to the number of people who vied for City Council and school board positions as proof of this point. This is a good thing. It is my goal to continue to include as many people as possible in the process of determining the goals of our community and the means to attain those goals.
I will involve as many people as I can on the various committees that oversee city operations. I will solicit input from all interested parties as we work with the consultants who will help shape our policy for responsible growth management.
Good governance must also be open to scrutiny at all times. Decisions made behind closed doors restrict participation and invite mistrust. The public has the right to expect that local government is not subject to influence or favoritism. People have the right to expect that the selection of contractors to provide services to the city will be done on the basis of fair competition.
I intend to open these processes for all to see, ensuring that government officials are acting in accordance with the will of the people.
In addition to an inclusive and open government, the people have the right to hold their elected officials to the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. These standards must be defined and made public.
By - changes happen with people
