"All of this is public information."
That's a comment on another blog -- Depot Dazed -- about new features on yet another web site set up by that author.
A recent post there points readers to a new resource that provides links to other local blogs and key information about legislative activity which directly affects citizens and business operators here in Christiansburg.
Drilling into Christiansburg's official minutes from Town Council or Planning Commission meetings, readers can see all related dialog and voting histories on:
Summaries in progress include:
Based on reader response, the author is now promising additional categories which will summarize all discussion and votes relative to:
- Budget & Finances
- Grants (any type, source, application or award)
Christiansburg has a history of limited news reporting on government meetings and non-inclusive citizen participation.
Historically, simply having public agendas out at least three (3) business days in advance of meetings wasn't the norm before 2008 so knowing what was being scheduled for discussion was cloaked. Continuing today, only the Mayor can empower a committee or ad hoc group to become active, and has a say in who sits at the table.
Since the town's website didn't previously provide citizens with any minutes or related documents and traditional media coverage was shallow, bloggers began stepping in.
A treasure trove of information is now shared publicly -- and being organized into very searchable formats by areas of interest -- courtesy of a costly FOIA request made by blog author Carol Lindstrom. The Virginia Coalition for Open Government recognized this citizen for her previous work, yet she continues to set the bar higher.
Why? Just because something is designated as "public information" and just because she now has access to these documents -- this doesn't mean most citizens knew about it, or could "see" how Town Council and the Planning Commission addressed these matters.
Citizens who vote choose Town Council and the Mayor. This should include consideration of "public information" on voting records and demonstrated leadership for incumbents. It serves as a tool for those who may choose to engage, providing specific platform planks on issues where citizens have expressed concerns.
These elected officials in turn make appointments to committees, boards and commissions who make recommendations back to the council. Often, this represents a revolving door of the same names, and ideas or views.
Council is the "decider" and these summaries show exactly where each person stood on issues, often going back to when incumbents or candidates were serving on another board, committee or commission or speaking during a Citizens Hearing.
Individual residents will often not agree on a final vote, yet if citizens understand why something disappeared or turned out a certain way -- they can make better informed decisions in the voting booth as regards choosing someone to represent them.
This is a gift to Christiansburg. Now that it truly is "public information" and accessible, use it to become a better informed voter.
Town elections are scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th at the Christiansburg Armory (Depot/Franklin intersection at College Street, adjacent to rescue/fire departments).