Government needs public participation to work; Stop playing armchair quarterback and join the game

This week, residents showed up.

They turned out Monday at the Poplar Bluff City Council meeting to speak on an issue that is very close to many residents’ hearts, the location of new city buildings.

They told council members their concerns, their hopes, their needs.

Residents took the time to play perhaps the most important role in our governmental process, the participation of the people.

“You all know the people of the city put you in office to do their will,” said Harviell resident Ron Hill, whose children own businesses downtown. “That’s what our government is all about, state, local and federal government. It’s to do the will of the people.

“I know you guys have the integrity to do that.”

And city leaders responded.

On Wednesday, the council members who voted to move city hall and city court out of downtown said they had changed their minds.

“With regards to City Hall, we have heard from many passionate citizens, both publicly and privately. While an issue like this is not easy and a decision will not make everyone happy, I believe it is best and most appropriate for City Hall to stay downtown,” Ward 1 council member Lisa Parson said in a statement.

The council members should be commended for listening to residents.

But perhaps even more, the residents who came out to speak should be recognized.

In our world of posting, commenting and liking online, those people who want to take an active role in their community sometimes seem even fewer and farther between.

Social media can certainly play a part in the decisions our leaders make, but it cannot compare to standing in a room, face-to-face, with the decision-makers.

“It is the will of the people. It’s been shown time and time again that you keep it downtown. The people are here to speak tonight and there are thousands more that didn’t come that will speak during the next election cycle,” Hill said to the applause of a large audience.

The problem with only speaking during an election cycle though, is that the decisions you don’t like have already happened.

The council may remain split 4-3 over whether the police department should move out of downtown. Supporters and opponents of the move, as well as the police chief, likely have more to say about that.

If you have something to say, don’t just play armchair quarterback.

Show up, speak up and be part of the process. Clearly, it can make a difference.

— Daily American Republic