There is plenty of discussion in Dickinson this winter about local, state and national government.
Everywhere people gather and discuss, often complaining about, the goings on in our city, county, state and nation.
Everyone has an opinion and doesn't seem to be afraid to share it with even a casual acquaintance. Whether it is snow removal, annexation, housing, education, zoning or crime there is plenty of discussion on the street, yet when our school boards, and city and county commissions asks for comments from the public there is little, if any discussion.
Usually, it is the same few brave souls who step up to the mic at meetings to share their concerns, and while it is great they make the effort, our local elected and public servants are not receiving the benefit of more discussion.
We hope they are receiving feedback on the street, e-mails or phone calls. And they need to hear feedback on what you feel is going right, along with what is going wrong.
ADVERTISEMENT
Government works best when it is under the review and scrutiny of the public they serve. We frequently print the mail and e-mail addresses of our city, county, state officials and our congressional delegation in the newspaper to give our readers contact information to let them know your views.
Every elected official, no matter what level we've talked to, stresses how much they appreciate the feedback from their constituents.
Sometimes there are issues that warrant making your views known to the public, even if it requires a 200-hundred mile trip to testify at the state Legislature or a closer trip to the courthouse, city hall or local school board meeting room.
For those who haven't sat in on a meeting, we urge you to do so. It is not as intimidating as it may seem. And we, at The Press, have often been impressed at how quickly state-level leaders return calls. They represent you, help them do so.
There is always the power of the press, and this newspaper prints all local letters to the editor, which is another way to make your views known.
Every local story in The Press allows comments on our areavoices platform. You should never assume someone else is doing the talking for you and our government needs to know how we feel.
The Editorial Board meets weekly to discuss issues of importance to the community.
