Public Participation

By Charles L. "Skippy" Bean, Jr.

A brief description of how I would promote greater "Public Participation."

At frequent times Participation from the community is lacking, and it is often wondered why this is? For the Community Service District is our only local government agency that is provides the opportunity for accomplishing many future needs pertaining to our water system and developed recreation as main objectives. The biggest here is to insure the community is getting water, but do you know what it takes, how future plans may or may not affect your water service? I don't, and this could be lack of sharing information to promote "Public Participation."

There are gaps that need to be addressed in getting more "Public Participation" and that is the time individuals have to get involved in attending meetings and volunteering for the various groups needing their time. During the past 10 years employment has shifted from locally to driving to the coast for a large number of community members and those left are working the equivalent to 2 jobs and the time they have left belongs to their families which is very important.

I believe that a stronger effort should be done in informing the public of what is happening within the community from the Community Services District in its dealings and future plans. This could be done very easily with open "Press Releases" to our local media present after each District Board meeting and on a quarterly schedule insure all community members receive a News Letter sharing past accomplishments, future plans, and status of current projects now being worked on. This would be a way of promoting community participation and educating all on what is needed and how it may effect them.

Yes, "Public Participation" is not as strong as it truly should be to meet future goals of our community surrounding the Community Service District. I believe the above suggestions will be a goal of mine to complete if elected, but it will not be accomplished by myself, it will take members of the community to promote them along with me.