Suzanne Morse at Smart Communities has some free advice for the nation's mayors during challenging economic times. It's advice that the candidates for Richmond's mayoral job might want to think about incorporating into their campaign platforms -- inviting citizens to get engaged in the care and feeding of their community is long overdue.
This is a time like no other to get citizens involved in the reality of local politics. I am not talking about a focus group to set priorities for local spending. I am talking about ways to inform and involve the public on the issues at hand. If there will be less for social services--say so--and ask for help. If parks and recreation are to be affected--say so--and ask for help. People are not stupid. They know that gas prices are affecting everything from food delivery to municipal services. This is an opportunity to change business as usual. More people have to step up to meet the needs. Methods of delivery have to change. This is time to remake the community where we live.
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