Having covered politicians of all levels, I am familiar with impromptu town hall meetings and the difficulties they bring, this is not the only place elected officials hear from the people.
After conversations with hundreds of those officials, I know they all have multiple ways of getting information.
They field phone calls and emails, attend meetings, and go on community outings. Many are voracious news consumers who want to stay on top of their community’s pulse. However, there is not enough time in the day for them to attend every event they’re requested at.
I know some officials who put in 80-hour weeks, 40 at their primary job and 40 more to improve their communities, something many of us can’t say we’d do.
They have visions and aspirations for their communities. Instead of playing keyboard warrior, calling for resignations, criticizing, and throwing around accusations like confetti, they put their money, effort, and time where their mouth is.
When controversial topics like land use and transit arise, multiple city-led initiatives, including public meetings, are held to gather information.
Other “we’re angry now, but only for a short time” issues, of which there are many in a four-year term, are heard through many of the ways mentioned above.
Does this completely nullify their non-attendance of every community town hall meeting, No, although it does give some context.
As I stated last week, stand up and get out there if you think you can do a better job. Although the nominations for council are now closed, there are always boards, volunteer organizations and groups looking for members.
As journalists, some of our core values are maintaining oversight of transparency, standards, and answerability. We are the eyes and ears of our community, a job not taken lightly.
We will continue to listen, observe and report on what matters to our community.
When you read this, we’ll know who in the community stood up and offered their time to improve Lloyd. I can guarantee you the list of people willing and able to complain will remain much larger than those willing to do something about it.
Read more: Opinion: The death of municipal politics
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