The last few weeks have been a sort of crash course in local politics for me. I have always considered myself apolitical. In New Orleans I thought I was middle-of-the-road when it came to politics. But, here in Columbus, I seem to be the poster girl for liberals.
I have a deeply embedded sense of always being “nice.” We Southern Belles were brought up with gentility, taught to speak in lady-like tones … no matter what we are really thinking.
Once in a while, though, we forget propriety and reveal our true feelings, perhaps even get slightly shrill. Recently, I became irrevocably involved in a hot-button issue that inspired an unexpected amount of passion in a varied cross-section of citizens.
I do not intend to rehash the details. It is over — for now, anyway. However, the whole experience revealed so much about local government and our place, as voters, in the process.
We should all find the time to sit in on a City Council meeting. Although it can be tedious, a familiarity with the workings of Columbus” city government is enlightening.
The mayor and councilmen are lined up across a raised dais, contemporary demigods peering down on the rabble. There is a smugness in their veneer. And, why not? They campaign for our vote. Then what? Most people leave the polling place and seldom think of them again. We remain strangers to those we elected.
Do you wonder why some streets get paved and some do not? What about street lights? Are some neighborhoods more worthy than others?
I think the answers to some of these questions may be an example of the old “squeaky wheel” adage. The residents of the areas that get the attention may just be more vocal.
I sat in on a City Council meeting that was addressing the addition of a trailer park to a residential subdivision. The homeowners gathered as a united front to protest this. Their arguments were valid and the City Council listened.
This was not my neighborhood, and truthfully a bit boring to me. But, it gave me a chance to observe the workings of local politics. If these residents had not expressed their opinions, the Council may have decided in favor of the trailer park. The park was clearly not in the best interests of the subdivision.
The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, at 5 p.m. Is this a good time? Since most voters are working people, it seems that a later time would be more convenient.
I called the mayor”s office (662-328-7021) and was told that an agenda would be posted sometime between Thursday and Monday before the meeting. Although, I could find no place on the city web site where this might be, I must believe that this is true.
I have decided to attend these sessions of the City Council, and I invite you to join me. It may not be your idea of a jolly time. But, we might meet afterwards to grab a bite to eat and discuss the happenings. These men (yes, they are all men) truly need to know we are watching.
And, do not forget to vote on Tuesday, Aug. 2. This election is not to replace the Council. They don”t come up for re-election until June 2013. It is important, however.
I reiterate my invitation to residents and voters of Columbus and Lowndes County to attend a City Council meeting, and please sit with me. I promise to behave with refinement and a soft voice. I”ll do my roaring with my vote.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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