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An educated decision
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
March 23, 2005
In just over a month, polls will open in Marlin for city elections. Seats on the city council and the mayor's position are all up for grabs, and it is up to the people of Marlin to choose who will take those places.
I have to attend city council meetings as part of my job. I admit that if I didn't have to go, I probably wouldn't go.
Let me think, sitting in a room listening to people debate over water, land and money, or 'American Idol' camped out on the couch. It seems like a no-brainer, but really it's something that should be seriously debated.
As people go to the polls in May, I wonder how much many voters really know about how city government works. I go to the meetings and see the same six or seven people time after time. Interest in what the council does is limited until fees are increased or water supplies get short. Then there is an uproar of complaints as citizens check-in on what the council has done by reading the Democrat.
It is not possible to put all the details of everything discussed at the meeting in an article. Fees are not increased to be mean. Water does not fall short without an attempt to stop it before it happens. Even parades are not allowed without a discussion.
People in city government put a lot of time and effort into what they do. Nothing is passed without an indepth discussion, without experts on hand to answer questions, and without the possibility of it all being tabled until more research can be done.
Without attending meetings once in awhile, no one can possibly fully realize these things. Its easy to point fingers and complain when there has been no research done into the validity of complaints. This is research that can be done in a few short hours once a month at City Hall.
As the election draws near, there is only one regular session of the council remaining. Without attending a meeting, how can anyone hope to fully understand who could do the best job in the seats that are up for grabs. As voters look at the candidates, they need to take in mind so many things to decide who will best do the job at hand.
There is a definite format to a council meeting and council proceedings. What candidates can handle those demands best? Without doing research, it all amounts to a big popularity contest and has no greater basis in validity than a student council election at the junior high level.
This is city goverment. This is your money being put to use for you. This is your city and everything that encompasses it, including police, fire, water, electricity, fees, animal control, and even if you can park your truck in the street.
The election is six weeks away. In those weeks, the candidates are all vying for their desired seats. There has been, and will continue to be, stories on the various candidates in the Democrat. Campaign ads will be popping up everywhere.There will be council articles run in the paper, and atleast one more session that is guaranteed to be held.
Marlin, as is any other city, is forever in need of good leadership. It is up the citizens of the city to make the decision on who will fill those heavy positions. Make sure your decision is an educated one, because there is plenty at stake as you go to the polls.
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
March 23, 2005
In just over a month, polls will open in Marlin for city elections. Seats on the city council and the mayor's position are all up for grabs, and it is up to the people of Marlin to choose who will take those places.
I have to attend city council meetings as part of my job. I admit that if I didn't have to go, I probably wouldn't go.
Let me think, sitting in a room listening to people debate over water, land and money, or 'American Idol' camped out on the couch. It seems like a no-brainer, but really it's something that should be seriously debated.
As people go to the polls in May, I wonder how much many voters really know about how city government works. I go to the meetings and see the same six or seven people time after time. Interest in what the council does is limited until fees are increased or water supplies get short. Then there is an uproar of complaints as citizens check-in on what the council has done by reading the Democrat.
It is not possible to put all the details of everything discussed at the meeting in an article. Fees are not increased to be mean. Water does not fall short without an attempt to stop it before it happens. Even parades are not allowed without a discussion.
People in city government put a lot of time and effort into what they do. Nothing is passed without an indepth discussion, without experts on hand to answer questions, and without the possibility of it all being tabled until more research can be done.
Without attending meetings once in awhile, no one can possibly fully realize these things. Its easy to point fingers and complain when there has been no research done into the validity of complaints. This is research that can be done in a few short hours once a month at City Hall.
As the election draws near, there is only one regular session of the council remaining. Without attending a meeting, how can anyone hope to fully understand who could do the best job in the seats that are up for grabs. As voters look at the candidates, they need to take in mind so many things to decide who will best do the job at hand.
There is a definite format to a council meeting and council proceedings. What candidates can handle those demands best? Without doing research, it all amounts to a big popularity contest and has no greater basis in validity than a student council election at the junior high level.
This is city goverment. This is your money being put to use for you. This is your city and everything that encompasses it, including police, fire, water, electricity, fees, animal control, and even if you can park your truck in the street.
The election is six weeks away. In those weeks, the candidates are all vying for their desired seats. There has been, and will continue to be, stories on the various candidates in the Democrat. Campaign ads will be popping up everywhere.There will be council articles run in the paper, and atleast one more session that is guaranteed to be held.
Marlin, as is any other city, is forever in need of good leadership. It is up the citizens of the city to make the decision on who will fill those heavy positions. Make sure your decision is an educated one, because there is plenty at stake as you go to the polls.
