It’s a shame that fewer than five people who are not the mayor, City Council members or city employees attended the council’s Dec. 12 planning session during which priorities were identified and discussed.
Why is it a shame? Because city residents had an opportunity to tell the mayor, council and city employees what they see as priorities the city should pursue but they failed to take advantage of it. Don’t be surprised to hear complaints begin to come in soon.
“The city doesn’t need to do that,” one person offers.
“The city should do this,” another person offers.
“What were they thinking?” asks this resident.
“Why spend money on that project when this project is more important?” questions that resident.
If residents don’t communicate with their city officials, how are those officials to know what’s important to those residents? As much as the elected officials want to do as much as they can for all city residents, those residents who are vocal about their desires likely will get attention. You know, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
City residents should determine the direction Washington should take in the coming weeks, months and years. That determination requires the input of city residents.
For those who want the city to “win,” it’s time to get in the game, not stand on the sidelines.