Public Involvement

Government is here to serve the people. Too often the public is left with the feeling that the Council has made up its mind regarding legislation prior to the public testimony being provided to it. The fact is, many times the legislation has already been drafted, and is unlikely to substantively change at that point.

It is important that each voice be heard and respected in advance of the decision making process. In that way the public can have an opportunity to play an integral role in the creation of the legislation.

Steve believes that it is vital to reach out to the community to take advantage of the powerful resource of knowledge and understanding of their legislative needs.

Too often the public is left to absorb the impact of legislation that is passed without any meaningful vetting by the citizens.

As a Councilmember, Steve will advocate for citizen driven legislation, starting with community meetings and efforts to make the public testimony process more meaningful. Some of the most successful legislation that has been most beneficial to the public has been where the legislators met with representative groups and individuals prior to finalizing the law.

Steve would like to know your thoughts on these issues. Click here to share them with him.

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