Good government found by paying attention
(Photos by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
From our weekly issue dated January 30, 2008
As a community, we are facing some challenging situations, and somehow it doesn’t seem right to try and make light of the situations.
I have been tracking our on-line edition (yes, we do read and appreciate all the comments) and I’ve noticed a trend of sorts. There is a theme of “What will it take?” It’s not a big secret. Ask yourself if you voted in the last election and you will get an answer.
When’s the last time you attended a Cave Junction City Council meeting?
I met a man at the courthouse in Grants Pass. I had noticed him at previous meetings, and after one particular session he asked me if I knew anything about the grant situation in Illinois Valley. I explained what I could, and we introduced ourselves. We began conversing, or at least what passes for conversation, when two political junkies meet in the halls of justice. When I asked about his attendance he explained that he was exercising “due diligence.” Due diligence. It is perhaps the most critical responsibility we have as citizens.
We’re supposed to be paying attention to what those people are doing in city hall.
The planning commission meeting held in Cave Junction regarding the Copeland Sand & Gravel request was a fantastic example of how the system is supposed to work. I was a bit apprehensive. The room was full. I know this because I had helpers providing a running tally as folks entered the room. Our community stepped up and played the game with the best. Nearly all the witnesses were on-point with their arguments, and all were respectfully presented. It was sheer poetry, and whatever the final outcome of the situation, a reasoned discussion resulted in a well thought-out decision that evening.
I know that a few people went into that meeting certain that the planning commission had already made up its mind. They fooled many, and showed that there is responsible government if you pay attention.
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