CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

Where are we now?

It has become clear that the city has not been an open book for quite some time, especially in the last year.  The average citizen has little real knowledge of what’s going on in city government other than the information that is carefully prepared and provided to the media.  Attempts to gather information are often stonewalled or delayed with trite excuses and pat answers.

Where do we need to be?

Since the citizens of Alexandria are also the taxpayers that make it possible for city government to exist and operate in the first place, it seems only right that the citizens should have a clear idea of how the city is run.  Does this mean that every decision should be put on hold until each citizen has had a chance to review?  Of course not.  What it does mean is that city government should make itself and its decisions available to the average citizen.  Hiding poor decisions in order to protect Alexandria citizens does nothing more than put our entire community's future at risk.

How do we get there?

If I’m elected mayor, I not only want citizens to become involved, I need them to become involved.  It is often said that knowledge is power and when we, as a community, are sharing that knowledge as well as the immense talents among us, we’re sure to make powerful decisions for the purpose of bettering Alexandria.  Logistics will be an important part of this effort to increase participation, but among the rejunevation of town hall meetings, use of Channel 4 for fireside chats as well other communication avenues, I feel strongly that we can empower the citizens of Alexandria to work with me for a better future.