“We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.” – Wynton Marsalis
As citizens of Saco, we value participatory government. Participatory government emphasizes the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of local government. Here are some ways Saco citizens can help our municipality and school system govern:
• Participate on a committee or commission.
• Attend public meetings and workshop sessions.
• Communicate regularly with your councilor or mayor by email or phone.
• Read the City Council meeting documents and minutes as well as the city’s online newsletter, the Pepperell Post.
• Make your voice heard at a scheduled public hearing on matters that affect you.
• Vocalize your opinion on non-public hearing items at any City Council meeting or workshop by signing in to comment during public comments at the start of the meeting
• Familiarize yourself with all the hard work of our city departments and school system.
Saco Citizens for Sensible Government is a nonpartisan group of Saco citizens who do all of the above as an organized citizen initiative to support Saco city government. At times, this support can be passionate when processes confuse us or when communication is unclear or absent. We will always ask questions and put forward ideas to challenge the status quo. All that we do conveys respect for the democratic process, because understanding and working within the system helps to educate and inform everyone involved.
If you think that representative government is only for those we elect to do the work of governance, think again. We all must participate beyond our vote. What is the alternative? You only need to think of the chaos in Washington, D.C., to get your answer.
Saco Citizens for Sensible Government is always available for your input and participation. Visit our website (sacocitizensforsensiblegovernment.org) or our Facebook page or email sacocitizenssensiblegovernment@gmail.org.
John Harkins
chairperson,
Saco Citizens for Sensible Government
Saco
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