Listening is key to good government

Local government, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of our governmental system. At the same time it is the most connected to the people it serve's.

It is most difficult because it lives and breath's in day to day community relationships. We that are elected to local office constantly interact with the people we serve and make decisions own their behalf. Daily we get input on issues that include school budgets, trash pick up and pot holes. What make's it difficult is that we truly want to please you, but we know at times we don't.

State and Federal government, although vital to the welfare of the people, are more disconnected. If you ever tried to give voice to an issue in the State or Federal government, you will find barriers creating frustration. But, when you want to give suggestion's locally, you usually can find one of the handful of local public servant accessible to take your call, or answer your email.

Now, I am not saying that our State and Federal Official don't want to hear from us. The number of people they represent can make giving individual attention a difficult task.

But, no matter if it is Local, State, or Federal government we all have a responsibility to listen and respond to the people we serve.

Throughout the past budget season here in Enfield, listening was a key to setting direction. I can honestly say that the Mayor, Town Council and Board of Education paid attention to the people. I know that I responded to almost every email or phone call I received. Of course, being human we may have missed a few, but we were greatly responsive.

In October of 2008, I even created a Forum on facebook to encourage people to discuss ideas about the direction of the school system. Nearly 190 people have subscribed to this forum and it really helped me as I pondered decisions that I (we) had to make.

Now, not everyone agreed with every decisions. Not every vote went the way I would have liked. But, there was no lacking in communication.

It has been said that people get the government they deserve. I believe that people get the government and its decision's it lobby's. We are elected to represent your interest. It is only when we hear from you that we truly know what is the pulse of our community.

During the summer months our town and school governments are pretty idle. But, soon we will be back at it with important decisions to make for Enfield. I hope that you speak up. I hope you will call and email. I encourage you to join forums, like the one I have on facebook.

Here is a couple pieces of advise when communicating with elected official's.

One, use email and contact every elected official on a given issue. By, contacting everyone you create discussion within the governmental bodies. If you contact only one person it mean's that your suggestion has to go through the political mill to get a solution, which slow's the process down.

Two, be gracious in your approach. Remember, we are doing our best. The fastest way to hurt your issue is to attack the people who volunteer their time to serve the community.

Three, be patient. Many decision's take month's to decide. On the school side we have to check and see if there are State and Federal laws that give direction on an issue. On money issues we usually don't know what the final number's will be until near the end of the budget cycle. We, are not putting you off, we are just having to get through the red tape to see what is possible.


Remember, your responsibility is to speak, our's is to listen. Let's not fail either.

Greg Stokes