November 27, 2009
by Tom Kasulka
“The challenge to the Town Board is to welcome and make it easier for its busy residents to participate.”
Dear Editor:
Thank you for your recent article in NewCastleNOW.org (“In work session, town board members debate what residents want in 2010 budget,” November 20, 2009) that relayed the discussion between town board members about the 2010 budget at a recent work session. It was a welcomed change to see our elected officials engaged in constructive public dialogue about issues facing our beloved town. Being able to follow the debate is informative and gives residents comfort that elected officials are weighing multiple points of views in reaching decisions.
In the meetings that I have attended or watched from home, it often seems as if the Board goes to great lengths to present a unified approach to the community. In doing so, it makes residents feel as if the debate took place behind closed doors, resident input is not welcomed and any opposition is futile.
This article shows a more ‘human side” of our Board Members and gives hope that our opinions may matter. The large response to the NewCastleNOW.org survey shows that residents want to be involved and heard. The challenge to the Town Board is to welcome and make it easier for its busy residents to participate. Please share more of these discussions with us!
Sincerely,
Tom Kasulka
Copyright 2012 NewCastleNOW.org