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edgewatertalkingstick.myfreeforum.org
The talking stick has been used in many cultures to promote discussion and community. It is our hope that citizens will join in and gain a greater sense of community involvement. Note: This is not a government sanctioned forum.
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Guest
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 Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:32 am Post subject: Listening? Not so much... |
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You are absolutely right. We should advertise the Talking Stick to every household in Edgewater so everyone can join in the conversation! Most people don't know it is here. Many listen in but don't post.
In a democracy, if you show up you get to participate. If you show up and speak in open community meetings your voice counts because that is the purpose of those meetings.
Are you saying otherwise?
That is why people who write to their Senators and Representatives have more influence on public policy than those who don't.
No one can read minds and elected officials are elected to represent their constituents, not presume to have permission to think for their constituents. Especially if they feel justified in ignoring the voices of those who are attempting to participate.
These same Edgewater citizens who fill in their ballots with check marks beside the names of people they know very little or nothing about and are never heard from again are not exactly giving you a huge mandate to only listen to yourself and the rest of Council either.
A good example is the fireworks issue. That ten people who showed up for Council in favor of the fireworks was the way many on Council justified their vote in favor of fireworks, right? It was according to how many people appeared at Council to voice their support. In this case, that number was about 10.
Besides, I believe the poster wrote:
| Quote: | | If their representatives don't listen they are gone in the next election. |
That, I believe, was an observation over time about what they liked about Edgewater.
It wasn't referring to your question | Quote: | | "So, who is council NOT listening to?" |
The answer to that question, of course, is if Council is not listening to those who are speaking out and they can not listen to those who are not speaking then they are listening to no one. Who else is there?
That is, besides themselves.
But I think this response may be off topic.
Did you have something you wanted to share about what is good about Edgewater?
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Pollyanna
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:35 am Post subject: |
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Here we go again, headed for the negative. Council listens to everybody who speaks up, whether it's 10 or all 5500.
I like all the pedestrian traffic. People feel free to walk in the streets of our little city. Lots of dogs and more children every day. I realy like it when the firemen and police wave. Have you noticed all the beautiful gardens throughout the city? We are a diverse community, all are welcome here. What's not to like about our town?  |
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Guest
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:55 am Post subject: debate and thoughtfulness is good too... |
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and so is freedom of expression
good doesn't equal only happy, lalala positive, I think that may be another topic, or maybe you mis-named this topic, Pollyanna  |
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Pollyanna
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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| I appreciate your critique but I also enjoy freedom of expression and interpretation. Isn't it wonderful that we are diverse enough that you and I can even enter into this conversation together under one thread, titled "What"s Good". I think so and, I'm willing to bet you do too in your heart. |
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Guest
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Listening |
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| One of 5500 wrote: | It seems to me that there are about 7 - 10 people, both on these forums and going to council meetings regularly. There are about 5,500 people in the city of Edgewater.
Is it fair to say that those who go to council meetings and those who talk on the stick represent the other 5,490 people in Edgewater? |
Is it fair to say that those seven to ten people don’t talk to more neighbors than the seven on council? I think they do. I’ve heard council people say no one calls them. Do council people go out and engage the citizens? As I talk with neighbors none seem to have any contact with council people, but they do talk about conversations they had with people who go to meetings or are on other boards and commissions. I’ve even heard some say that they have emailed council people with no reply. I’ve also heard that when people do go to council they have heard the president say he didn’t even want to hear what the public had to say.
I think it is a good thing that there are at least 7-10 people who make a point of getting out and talking with people. 7-10 people who pay attention and are approachable. |
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Pollyanna
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Wouldn't it be wonderful if those 7-10 people ran for Council and the Mayor? That would make Edgewater perfect. |
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Grass Clippings
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: Listening |
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| One of 5500 wrote: | | There are just about that many on council who were actually elected by the ones who don't show to council or post on the stick. |
Ya got me. I don’t understand that statement at all. Are you saying that once me and 5000 other people cast our vote we are supposed to just go away? That those ‘who were actually elected by the ones who don't show’ are some how above everyone else? Especially the 7-10 that do show?
Sorry, I tried to think of What”s Good about that post, but I just couldn’t do it. But I'm loving this rain! My lawn is finally green and my lawn mower even started this year.  |
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Pollyanna
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| Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:46 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | My lawn is finally green and my lawn mower even started this year. |
That is wonderful news. I'm glad things are going well. It is a wonderful life. |
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Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:58 pm Post subject: July 3rd. |
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Attending the party in my neighbors yard, meeting people not from here but who come here for the July 3rd. celebration.
Nice fireworks this year. In fact, really quite grand. I would say it qualifies as "what is good". |
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good times
Guest
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| Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject: fireworks |
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the fireworks were wonderful this year and it is good to see the city keeping with a well loved tradition! thanks to all the people who helped to make it happen. My family and I had a great time! Looking forward to it again next year!
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