| Humboldt County, CA | November 2, 2004 Election |
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Local DemocracyBy Paul J. PitinoCandidate for Member, City Council; City of Arcata |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
Democracy is strongest and best when as many people are involved as is possible.We all can't be elected, nor do all people feel comfortable being in the public eye constantly. However there are other ways to be involved and part of the process. Having been on the City of Arcata's Transportation Safety Committee for many years, I have been part of the process and met lots of the local citizens and power brokers. I feel that the first step to being effective locally is to know and understand who is doing what and what they plan to do in the future. The committees and the commissions in the City are the backbone of local government. They are a valuable resource to the staff and council even when the input is contrary to the established thought process. Imagine if you have seven other people looking at your plans and giving input. It's easy to see how that could be helpful, informative and of course more democratic. I have learned that true change comes slowly. Only when those involved in the process are persistant, determined, and open to all avenues of completion does it really happen. Join a committee, attend meetings, look at proposed projects, then run for office if you chose. You will then be a more informed and vital part of the local democracy, who your neighbors and friends can turn to for information. Thus the City Political is a giant tree, with you and hundreds like you feeding and stabilizing it. Otherwise, only those with special interests control and girdle it and in the end stifle it's democratic growth. |
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ca/hm Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 26, 2004 19:20
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