Today is a runoff election in my city, which just turned three years old and until very recently was the newest city in the United States. I have been giving great thought to what I think are reasonable expectations for citizens from their city leaders in a changing world, and will vote for the people that I think can meet these expectations:
Citizen Expectations for City Leaders in a Changing World
We expect open-mindedness and knowledge about what's happening elsewhere,and how we fit into this larger world. We expect an articulated vision and observable actions that support increased local resiliency both individually and collectively. We expect protection of the commons we share: air, water, and land, and an educated awareness of our limited resources. We expect ease of use for health-enhancing transportation options such as walking and biking. We expect adequate, up-to-date public safety and a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. We expect a road map to energy independence. We expect support for our ability to grow, make, market and access fresh, local food for ourselves, our families, and our community. We expect robust encouragement of a vibrant local business community so that more money is kept circulating in the local economy. We expect consideration for the most vulnerable among us, and to be treated with dignity, no matter what our life stage or circumstance. We expect to have our voices heard and reflected in decisions made. We expect transparency in government, and frequent, reliable communications. We expect kindness.
(written by Pattie Baker, 12/6/11)
(written by Pattie Baker, 12/6/11)
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2 comments:
Consider voting for Bob Dallas to have a chance for these expectations!
Mike Davis was elected as mayor, and I was happy to hear him say in his short speech that he will be a good steward of our city's resources (sounds like a pro-sustainability statement to me). Terry Nall was elected council member, and he has already been a good steward of his new community garden bed by donating it to the middle school kids (and they harvested from it for the food pantry for the first time yesterday), so I hope that is a sign of things to come. And so, off we go. A new chapter in one of the newest cities in the United States.
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