Happy T Day.. online
democracy folks,
I've pondered some
Dwayne Voegeli's call for forums on Trains and Health Insurance.
I've also reflected on Fred Peterson's essay in the Winona Daily
News regarding the school board's attempt to be very transparent in
their decision making allowing for much citizen input and
questioning.
I wonder in our democracy how do we as concerned citizens take action? Forums certainly have worth-I think the community benefited greatly from the event held at City Hall in the aftermath of 9/11. But in picking up on Fred's comments, how do we as citizens work with our elected boards? How much transparency in their decisions do we see? Do we know the reasons behind the decision? What role can we have in being heard when decisions are considered? What role does online democracy play? Could there be more use of it by elected officials in learning from the community (although we have 225 subscribers- I think we all talk with others thus magnifying its reach)? How do we bring actions and concerns forward-agenda setting so to speak to deliberative bodies?
So considering the action question- I've mentioned forums, trying to galvanize ideas for elected official consideration, encouraging elected officials to utilize online democracy more.. What do other people thinkŠ How do we take all this good conversation to actions steps?
I wonder in our democracy how do we as concerned citizens take action? Forums certainly have worth-I think the community benefited greatly from the event held at City Hall in the aftermath of 9/11. But in picking up on Fred's comments, how do we as citizens work with our elected boards? How much transparency in their decisions do we see? Do we know the reasons behind the decision? What role can we have in being heard when decisions are considered? What role does online democracy play? Could there be more use of it by elected officials in learning from the community (although we have 225 subscribers- I think we all talk with others thus magnifying its reach)? How do we bring actions and concerns forward-agenda setting so to speak to deliberative bodies?
So considering the action question- I've mentioned forums, trying to galvanize ideas for elected official consideration, encouraging elected officials to utilize online democracy more.. What do other people thinkŠ How do we take all this good conversation to actions steps?
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Randy Schenkat 1419 Conrad Dr. Winona, Mn
55987 507-452-7168
