Batten Surveys Complete (56pgs)

The Batten Surveys:A Regional Civic Capital Assessment

2008-2009

The mission of the Center is to support sustainable deliberative democracy in Hampton Roads and to connect public decision making with civil dialogue and the informed judgment of the region’s citizens.

Board of Directors: Program Fellows:JimBabcock JoshuaG.BehrChrisBonney CarolynCaywoodMaryBunting BarbaraL.ClarkMinetteCooper MichaelDingersonLouisGuy KevinFairleyClydeHoey, RameshKapoorVice-ChairmanandTreasurer EdMaroneyQuentinKidd NicoleAuerMcGeeHenryLight KenWheelerJimOliver,Chairman BobO’Neill Staff:VivianPaige BetsyMcBride,ExecutiveDirectorAnitaPoston,Counsel SusanSharp,AdministrativeDirectorSuzannePuryear,Secretary ToddSolomon,ProgramDirectorRogerRichman JohnRowe Web Master:MikeRau AlvinSchexnider Graphic Design:SueCurcioBertSchmidt Printing: RocketDirectRayTaylor SanfordWanner

Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement5200 Hampton Blvd.Norfolk, VA 23508

Phone: 757.889.9359www.hrcce.org

The Batten Surveys:A Regional Civic Capital Assessment2008-2009

The Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement gives special thanks to Jane P. Batten for her generous support of this project.

Report Contents Page

Civic Capital ........................................................................................................................................................... i

Batten Survey Interviews ................................................................................................................................... 1

Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

#1. What are the rights and duties of citizens?............................................................................................. 4 #2. What should citizens be able to expect from government and what should government be able to expect from citizens?................................................................. 9

#3. How close to reality are the answers to the questions above, and why?.......................................... 13

#4. What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance?.............................. 14 #5. When and where should citizens participate in public administration?............................................ 18

#6. How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aid public participation?..................................................................................................................... 22

#7. What needs to be in place for this to happen?....................................................................................... 26 #8. What could be changed to increase or improve citizen participation?.............................................. 30 #9. What do officials misunderstand about engaging the citizens?.......................................................... 34

#10. What do citizens misunderstand about civic engagement?............................................................... 38

#11. What could be done to improve mutual trust? ................................................................................... 42

#12. Have you received any training related to public involvement? ...................................................... 46

#13-17. Regional Civic Engagement Report Card ......................................................................................... 47

#18. What do you think is the most important public issue for the region?........................................... 48

#19. What do you see as the citizens’ role in this issue?............................................................................. 49

All rights reserved for the interview results.

Regional Civic Capital Assessment

Extraordinary Value:In.the.PricewaterhouseCoopers.report,.cities of the future – global competition, local.leadership,.six.forms.of.“capital”.are.identified.as.“essential.assets”.for.the.development.of.a.regional.strategic.agenda....

About.democratic.or.civic.capital,.the.report.says.the.requirement.for.government.entities.is.“To.renew.the.interest.and.activity.of.their.citizens,...develop.ways.to.make.themselves.more.accountable,.increase.the.transparency.of.their.decision.making.and.engage.citizens.directly.in.the.creation.of.policies.and.decisions.”

Governance and Mutual Accountability:The.term.“civic”.refers.to.the.duties.and.rights.of.citizens,.particularly.their.involvement.in.actions.and.activities.that.support.a.sustainable.democracy...

If.one.accepts.the.premise.that.the.civic.engagement.linked.to.civic.capital.is.of.value,.then.more.of.it.can.be.presumed.to.be.an.appropriate.regional.goal...However,.civic.engagement.requires.the.involvement.of.two.sets.of.actors...Citizens.must.accept.their.ultimate.responsibility.in.a.democratic.system.and.public.officials,.elected.and.appointed,.must.also.accept.their.responsibilities.for.public.processes.that.reflect.the.central.importance.of.citizen.participation....

There.must.be.a.shared.belief.that.citizens.can.be.co-producers.of.the.ideas.and.strategies.that.define.the.future.of.their.communities...

Our Focus:The.Hampton.Roads.Center.for.Civic.Engagement.is.responding.to.these.identified.requirements.for.regional.advancement.by.beginning.with.an.assessment.of.the.civic.capital.in.the.Hampton.Roads.region...To.begin.a.regional.conversation.about.where.we.want.to.be.and.what.will.be.required;.we.start.with.where.we.are...In.late.2008,.we.began.work.on.two.surveys.to.benchmark.the.civic.health.and.capital.of.the.Hampton.Roads.region...The.first.is.a.less.formal.personal.interview.survey.and.the.second,.a.statistically.valid.random.sample.telephone.survey,.designed.and.completed.by.professionals.......

i

Dear.Neighbors,.

In.Hampton.Roads.we.are.surrounded.by.the.reminders.of.how.much.we.owe.

to.those.who.have.made.possible.our.form.of.government...But.it.has.been.said.that.

we.are.not.citizens.until.we.do.the.work.of.citizens...As

.citizens,.we.have.rights.but.we.

also.have.duties...

The.Batten.Survey.Interviews.start.with.a.large.question

:...“What.are.the.rights.

and.duties.of.citizens?”.....

. The.obvious.list.of.duties.for.a.citizen.can.range.from.dying.for.the.country.

to.not.running.red.lights...But.for.self-government.to.be.sustained,.citizens

.must.be.

informed.on.the.public.issues.of.their.time.and.take.their.turns.at.acti

ve.citizenship...

This.is.not.possible.if.the.information.needed.is.not.readily.

available.or.if.citizens.are.

not.welcomed.into.public.decision.making...This.means.we.come.at.the.challenge.

from.two.sides...Both.citizens.and.officials.need.coaxing,.encoura

gement,.training.and.

new.experiences...

. Could.the.stakes.be.any.higher?..We.don’t.think.so.

. This.isn’t.just.about.fixing.the.issue.of.the.day,.although

.that.would.be.a.grand.

outcome...This.isn’t.just.about.strengthening.the.community,.although.that.would.

also.be.an.important.result...

. Democracy.isn’t.owed.to.us.or.any.collection.of.people...De

mocracy.must.be.

practiced...The.habits.of.democracy.have.to.be.learned.a

nd.protected.

. The.engagement.of.citizens.is.no.more.than.merely.essential..

.. Betsy.McBride

. President.and.Executive.Director

. Hampton.Roads.Center.for.Civic.Engagement

“..liberty.depends.on.sharing.in.self-government”.which.“requires.a.formative.politics,.a.politics.that.cultivates.in.citizens.the.qualities.of.character.self-government.requires.”.

............(Michael.Sandel,.Democracy and Its Discontents)

1The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.

The Batten Survey InterviewsDuring.late.2008.and.early.2009,.Center.friends.and.board.members.conducted.

the.interviews.of.many.individuals.engaged.in.the.public.work.of.the.region,.either.as.appointed.or.elected.officials.or.as.civic.leaders...Each.interview.included.the.same.questions,.but.not.everyone.answered.every.question...

We are very appreciative of those who agreed to be interviewed. Each candid interview yielded unique and useful insight. We have included all of the comments but not for individual attribution.

A special thank you to the following individuals who generously provided their time to conduct the interviews:

Jim BabcockChris BonneyMinette CooperLouis GuyEllis Hinnant-WillClyde HoeyBetsy McBrideJim OliverVivian PaigeBert Schmidt

“Citizens.must.convey.facts.that.are.believable.and.in.conversations.that.are.bigger.than.about.just.what.I.want.–.you.must.be.ready.to.say.‘here.is.what.I.am.willing.to.do.’”.(Citizen Leader in interview)

“Government.works.best.when.it.is.informed...When.there.is.disconnect,.there.is.dissatisfaction.”. (Elected Official in interview)

“Government.is.not.the.enemy;.it.is.the.citizens’.tool.”.(Appointed Official in interview)

2 The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.

Summary: Plentiful Common Ground

Information and CommunicationThe.matched.set.–.the.citizens’.right.to.be.informed.and.the.duty.to.be.informed.echoed.through.the.interviews.with.elected.and.appointed.officials.and.with.other.civic.leaders...A.citizen.asked.to.be.trusted.with.good.and.bad.news.while.another.worried.that.bad.news.might.be.used.irresponsibly.against.officials...Trust.and.the.sharing.of.information.were.linked.by.many.interviewees....

All.groups.said.that.citizens.have.a.right.to.be.listened.to.and.also.be.accountable.for.using.“facts”.and.providing.“honest.input.”..

There.was.not.any.mention.of.any.problem.from.getting.too.much.information.or.any.specifics.about.information.gaps...All.forms.of.new.information.technology.were.suggested.as.promising.tools.for.more.sharing.of.information....

Process .All.interview.groups.said.they.expect.fair,.open,.transparent.and.accountable.government.that.operates.with.integrity.and.competence...There.was.mention.that.training.to.increase.competence.around.civic.engagement.processes.is.necessary.and.that.dedicated.resources.and.public.involvement.policies.will.be.needed.to.increase.public.involvement.....Civic.engagement.around.the.big.strategic.decisions.was.called.for...An.elected.official.said.civic.engagement.should.be.used.“often.and.continuously”.and.another.said.there.is.a.“need.to.get.public.input.from.day.one.and.not.after.decisions.have.been.made.”.......The.duty.to.be.supportive.when.appropriate,.was.added.to.the.often-mentioned.duty.to.speak.up...Civility.and.respect.were.called.for.along.with.greater.understanding.of.decision.making.processes...All.of.the.groups.mentioned.the.misunderstandings.that.follow.the.unrealized.expectation.that.citizen.input.always.changes.a.decision...Officials.and.citizens.said.they.worried.about.the.distrust.that.comes.when.citizens.conclude.that.they.have.not.been.heard.when.a.policy.decision.is.not.aligned.with.public.sentiment...More.than.one.interviewee.said.that.more.communication.after.a.public.decision.would.increase.overall.public.understanding..

Those Engaged.An.appointed.official.said.that.what.is.needed.is.“Willing.citizens.and.open.government.”...A.civic.leader.was.also.succinct.about.what.is.needed,.“First,.a.receptive.attitude;.if.that.does.not.exist,.don’t.bother.with.the.rest.”

TrustThe.oft-repeated.cure.for.distrust.was.more.information,.more.communication.and.more.work.together...In.other.words,.true.civic.engagement.with.good.information.and.timely.communication.

..

�The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.

TrainingThere.were.calls.for.training.for.civic.engagement.and.also.reports.of.receiving.training...A.review.of.the.comments.describing.training.demonstrates.a.broad.interpretation.of.what.is.considered.public.involvement.training.and.by.extension,.what.is.considered.to.be.public.involvement...........

Regional Civic Engagement Report CardIn.the.same.spirit.as.the.maxim.“all.politics.is.local,”.interviewees.gave.the.highest.average.regional.grade.“B”.to.the.civic.engagement.efforts.of.their.own.groups...Effort.more.removed,.i.e..“civic.engagement.in.regional.issues,”.received.the.lowest.grade.“D.”

What do you think is the most important public issue for the region? Three.regional.issues.dominated.“the.most.important.public.issue”.list...They.were.transportation,.regionalism.and.the.economy-.in.that.order...The.order.may.be.different.if.the.interviews.were.redone.now...

Of.the.three.most.frequently.mentioned.regional.issues,.elected.officials.and.other.citizen.leaders.ranked.transportation.highest.of.the.three...The.economy.was.the.highest.ranked.of.the.three.top.issues.by.appointed.officials....Regionalism,.the.second.most.frequently.mentioned.regional.issue.overall,.was.not.ranked.as.important.by.elected.officials...

The DetailsRead.the.comments.in.detail...They.contain.great.insight.....


#1 - What are the rights and duties of citizens?

Elected Officials said:

To.be.educated,.knowledgeable.and.responsible.

All.citizens.deserve.what.is.guaranteed.under.the.Constitution.–.safety,.freedom.and.privacy...Duties;.participate,.vote,.communicate,.don’t.be.apathetic,.have.lots.of.participation.from.the.public.and.faith-based.groups.

Rights.–.have.effective,.efficient,.responsible.and.responsive.government...Duties.–.participate.in.assuring.this.will.happen.in.meaningful.and.informed.ways.

Rights.–.honest,.transparent.government;.safe.environment;.take.care.of.neediest;.vote...Duties.–.be.informed.and.pay.attention,.offer.opinions.and.suggestions,.obey.laws,.vote.

The.rights.of.our.citizens.are.delineated.in.the.Constitution.of.the.U.S..and.the.various.states...Rights.are.further.defined.in.laws,.codes.and.ordinances...Citizen.duties,.as.they.pertain.to.their.rights,.are.to.stay.knowledgeable.of.government.actions,.develop.an.understanding.of.these.actions,.support.the.rule.of.law.and.actively.seek.to.change.laws.that.unduly.infringe.on.individual.constitutional.rights.

Participation.and.input.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.be.heard.and.to.expect.government.to.listen...Biggest.duty.of.the.citizen.is.to.be.knowledgeable.on.issues.in.the.community.and.to.get.involved.

Appointed Officials said:

Citizens.have.both.a.“right”.and.a.“duty”.to.participate.in.the.partnership.that.is.government.in.our.country...Citizens.can’t.sit.on.the.sidelines.and.presume.government.will.do.things.the.way.they.want.them.done...They.have.to.be.willing.to.actively.participate.(volunteer,.serve.on.boards.and.commissions,.come.to.meetings,.actively.learn.about.issues,.vote,.etc.).in.order.to.execute.their.part.of.the.“partnership.”..Citizens.are.also.responsible.for.how.they.engage.in.the.process.of.government.which.touches.on.issues.of.how.“civil”.they.are,.to.the.amount.of.time.and.energy.they.invest.to.be.knowledgeable.about.the.working.of.government.that.may.be.of.interest.to.them.

This.is.their.city,.we.are.their.employees!..Their.duties.are.to.be.engaged.in.our.proceedings.

To.be.aware.and.to.participate,.at.all.levels,.see.that.elected.officials.hear.what.is.important...Voting.alone.is.not.enough.

Rights.–.To.be.informed,.to.be.heard,.to.be.educated.on.the.issues,.to.know.what.is.happening.and.the.right.to.ask.questions...Duties.–.To.hold.us.accountable...To.vote.with.your.feet...To.question...To.always.be.out.there...Here.that.is.not.easy.–.with.our.tourism.economy,..many.need.two.jobs...And.the.race.issue.is.alive.in.our.community,.some.people.don’t.feel.heard.



Appointed Officials (continued):

To.pay.attention.to.their.government,.to.vote,.to.pay.their.taxes,.to.give.their.elected.representatives.their.opinions.on.issues.that.concern.them.and.affect.their.well-being.

Citizens.have.a.“duty”.to.be.involved.in.order.to.keep.their.“rights.”

Although.eloquently.outlined.in.historical.documents.such.as.the.Bill.of.Rights.and.the.Declaration.of.Independence,.the.rights.of.citizens.should.definitely.include.the.ability.to.pursue.a.significant.livelihood.and.one’s.personal.happiness.without.fear.of.persecution,.provided.one’s.own.pursuit.of.these.rights.does.not.hinder.others.or.infringe.in.any.way.upon.another.citizen’s.rights...Among.the.most.important.duties.of.a.citizen:.Pursue.positive.interaction.with.fellow.citizens.and.lend.one’s.talents.to.the.community.for.the.good.of.all,.be.it.in.a.civic.or.governmental.volunteer.position.

To.participate,.to.communicate,.to.educate.themselves.on.the.issues.and.alternatives.

To.be.law.abiding.citizens.and.actively.participate.and.be.mindful.of.government.functions...Also.be.active.in.civic.organizations.

Rights:..To.be.heard.with.fairness,.dignity.and.honesty...Duties:.To.be.informed.and.engaged...System.works.ONLY.with.the.consent.of.the.governed.

To.be.actively.engaged.in.their.government.and.the.communities.where.they.live.

We’re.all.citizens,.therefore.the.rights.and.duties.need.to.be.transparently.understood.by.all.of.us.

Right.to.be.invited.to.the.table...Right.to.be.informed...Information.needs.to.be.readily.available.and.understandable...Duty.to.be.informed...Duty.to.be.involved.and.participate.

To.take.citizenship.in.a.democratic.society.as.a.solemn.obligation.to.our.nation.

Duties.of.citizens.–.To.participate.in.the.political.process.–.voting,.learning.about.candidates,.donate.-.in.other.works,.voting.plus...To.participate.in.the.judicial.process.–.jury.duty,.you.should.also.know.about.the.court.system.and.how.it.works...Not.to.stop.with.easy,.comfortable.answers.on.complicated.issues.like.global.warming...To.participate.in.law.and.order.and.obey.it,.except.for.civil.disobedience...To.report.crime...To.be.informed.about.public.policy.decisions,.to.keep.up.and.learn.in.depth...To.think.critically.-.don’t.accept.party.lines...To.question.authority,.make.use.of.the.news.and.gather.knowledge.for.on-going.use...To.know.your.municipal.government.structure.–.who.does.what...Rights.of.citizens.–.to.be.let.alone.–.government.should.be.minimalist...To.make.mistakes,.to.be.wrong.or.stupid...To.have.the.paths.of.mobility.open...To.information.–.particularly.about.government.and.what’s.going.on...To.have.government.be.my.information.gathering.agent...To.move.around,.to.travel...To.have.coverage.from.the.Universal.Declaration.of.Human.Rights...To.raise.your.kids.

� The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.



They.need.to.be.told.that.it.is.their.duty.to.participate...They.need.to.gain.knowledge.and.ask.questions.on.issues...Citizens.should.participate.and.ask.questions.before.decisions.are.made.

Stay.informed.and.inform.the.elected.officials.of.their.opinions.

Other Citizen Leaders said:

Right.to.voice.opinions.affecting.themselves;.must.understand.rights.and.then.exercise.them.

Right.–.Involvement...Most.people.are.afraid.of.it...They.don’t.think.their.voice.counts...Duties.–.Be.informed,.get.educated.but.not.to.the.point.of.distracting.others,.be.polite.and.civil.

Awareness.and.a.right.to.correct.information.

Their.rights.are.to.voice.their.opinions.and.participate.in.public.discussions...Their.duties.are.to.gain.knowledge.and.express.their.opinions.to.those.in.a.position.to.make.decisions.

Citizens.have.a.duty.to.abide.by.the.laws.of.the.state...With.that.duty,.citizens.have.individual.right.flowing.from.the.first.ten.amendments.to.the.Constitution.

Rights.–.numerous...Duties.–.to.be.informed.on.important.issues,.to.participate.in.the.process.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.access.meetings.and.information.in.a.timely.way.prior.to.and.after.decisions...They.have.a.duty.to.be.knowledgeable.and.informed.about.community.and.regional.needs,.information.and.pending.issues...They.have.a.duty.to.be.active.and.constructive.in.specific.community.endeavors.whether.it.is.helping.neighbors,.civic.leagues,.churches,.government,.charities.or.some.such.

Duties:..Do.what.is.necessary.to.achieve.good.government...Rights:..Depend.on.collective.action;.rights.can.be.lost..

To.care.for.each.other.and.speak.up.to.policy.makers;.advocates.for.themselves.

To.abide.by.laws,.to.work.to.change.unfair.or.inadequate.laws,.to.contribute.skills.to.community.

Citizens’.rights.include.these:.the.right.to.have.government.respect.our.property;.the.right.to.be.taxed.only.as.much.as.is.necessary.to.provide.the.minimum.government.needed;.the.right.to.be.secure.in.our.homes;.the.right.to.have.adequate.choices.in.elections;.the.right.to.have.confidence.in.our.government;.and.the.right.to.be.able.to.believe.what.our.government.tells.us...Citizens’.duties.include.these:.the.duty.to.educate.oneself;.the.duty.to.provide.for.one’s.family;.the.duty.to.plan.for.the.future;.the.duty.to.participate.in.government.by.speaking,.writing.and.voting.



Other Citizen Leaders (continued):

To.have.an.active.role.in.our.government...To.know.what.is.going.on.and.participate.

Responsibility.for.a.working.model.for.government...Got.the.best.model.so.far,.but.demand.mutual.respect.and.trust...We.are.all.stakeholders...The.role.of.the.individual.in.society.–.separate.or.sharing...The.public.will.understand.the.global.perspective.on.which.the.region.must.compete.

To.participate.in.the.government.process,.to.be.informed.of.the.issues.affecting.them....To.vote.in.all.elections.

A.citizen.has.rights.guaranteed.by.the.Constitution...We.have.civil.rights,.rights.to.live.in.a.safe.place,.to.be.educated.and.to.have.a.job...We.have.responsibilities.to.vote,.to.speak.up.when.you.see.something.wrong,.to.participate.in.your.community.–.the.PTA,.your.civic.league,.political.practices,.working.at.the.polls...Duties.–.Government.officials.are.to.make.decisions.and.to.stand.up.and.lead.

Government’s..role.is.to.provide.good.public.system,.i.e..schools,.police,.waste.management,.infrastructure...Citizens.should.understand.they.must.fulfill.their.roles.through.paying.attention.to.rules.and.regulations.put.in.place.for.services.to.run.smoothly.(how.to.put.out.one’s.garbage,.attending.their.schools’.functions,.obeying.stop.signs,.etc.).In.other.words,.taxes.don’t.cover.everything.

The.rights.and.duties.of.citizens,.beyond.what.the.Constitution.provides,.are.in.the.eye.of.the.beholder...If.civic.participation.is.to.be.considered.a.duty,.it.needs.to.be.taught...John.Kennedy’s.famous.“Ask.not.what.your.country.can.do.for.you,.ask.what.you.can.do.for.your.country”.was.a.call.for.a.generation.to.give.back.to.their.country...The.duties.of.the.citizen.come.from.a.sense.of.purpose,.of.contribution.to.the.whole,.of.participating.in.something.larger.than.oneself...This.sense.of.duty.is.something.that.cannot.be.legislated.or.mandated,.but.must.come.from.within...It.must.be.handed.down.from.one.generation.to.the.next.

We.need.to.recognize.we.are.all.citizens.therefore;.we.need.to.inform.and.be.informed.

Among.the.most.important.duties.of.a.citizen:.pursue.positive.interaction.with.fellow.citizens.and.lend.one’s.talents.to.the.community.for.the.good.of.all,.be.it.in.a.civic.or.governmental.volunteer.position.

Our.rights.are.spelled.out.in.the.Bill.of.Rights.and.the.Constitution...We.have.an.obligation.as.a.citizen.to.participate.in.the.affairs.of.the.community,.the.state.and.the.nation...That.means.becoming.educated.on.the.issues.and.expressing.an.opinion.

Citizens.have.the.right.to.be.heard...Citizens.have.the.duty.to.speak.up,.if.they.desire.to.do...To.trust.(or.hope).and.not.speak.up,.is.not.a.fault...




These.rights.are.embedded.with.one.another.and.hard.to.separate...They.inform.each.other...You.have.the.rights.you.exercise...You.have.a.duty.to.exercise.them...You.have.a.responsibility;.you.own.it,.whatever.it.is,.you.own.it...In.the.past.there.was.a.sense.of.public.service,.it.is.diminished...We.have.reduced.our.expectations.and.their.performance...It.became.a.tactic.to.diminish.regard.for.public.service....There.is.a.right.to.expect.the.highest.level.of.performance,.of.competency...We.have.a.duty.to.demand.it.and.also.to.recognize.it.when.it.exists...Symbols.matter...There.is.a.willingness.to.forgive,.maybe.we.can.repair.and.mend.the.relationship...State.of.the.relation.now?..Because.of.the.financial.problems,.we.might.now.find.we.need.each.other.and.that.we.have.more.in.common.than.we.thought..

Citizens.have.a.right.to.good,.honest.government.and.to.a.government.that.is.responsive.even.though.the.citizen.may.not.like.the.response...Citizens.have.a.right.to.know.what.their.government.is.doing,.and.in.Virginia,.the.Freedom.of.Information.Act.greatly.facilitates.this.right...The.exercise.of.a.good.citizenship.is.a.major.duty.of.all.citizens...A.significant.component.of.good.citizenship.is.involvement.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.get.advance.information.and.a.chance.to.participate.in.important.community.issues...They.have.a.duty.to.speak.up.on.anything.where.they.have.a.strong.opinion.or.special.knowledge.

Right.of.citizens.to.have.transparency.in.government...Duty.of.citizens.to.be.well.informed,.not.“bumper.sticker”.informed.

To.be.heard.and.considered,.since.they.are.paying!

Basic.human.rights.are.declared.in.the.preamble.to.the.Declaration.of.Independence.(life,.liberty.and.the.pursuit.of.happiness).and.civil.rights.are.those.enumerated.in.the.Bill.of.Rights.attached.to.the.U.S..Constitution,.as.amended.from.time.to.time.and.as.interpreted.by.the.Supreme.Court.(the.most.fundamental.of.which.are.freedom.of.thought,.speech.and.assembly)...In.recent.decades,.some.groups.have.asserted.specific.social.rights,.such.as.the.right.to.have.a.job.or.an.education.or.health.care,.which.may.acquire.enough.public.support.to.result.in.legislated.rights...Citizens’.fundamental.duties.include.voting,.obeying.laws.and.serving.on.juries.and.commissions.and.in.the.military...One.can.add.an.implied.duty.to.seek.enough.information.about.public.issues.and.the.performance.of.elected.officials.to.be.able.to.express.informed.judgments.in.the.“Great.Conversation”.that.sustains.a.democracy.

Right.to.open.access.to.information.on.a.timely.basis.–.government.probably.tries,.but.things.move.slower.in.a.democracy...Right.to.have.public.leaders.make.their.case.and.be.clear.about.their.preferences...Duties:..Duty.to.act.based.on.facts,.not.emotions...Duty.to.really.hear.details.–.pros.and.cons...Duty.to.use.information...Duty.to.stand.up.in.support.of.issues...Duty.to.hold.officials.accountable...Duty.to.be.reasonable.–.“don’t.ask.for.more.roads.and.not.be.willing.to.pay.for.them.”


#2 – What should citizens be able to expect from government and what should government expect from citizens?


Citizens.should.allow.government.to.do.the.job.they.are.elected.to.do.and.provide.the.services...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.participate.in.finding.the.answer.

Citizens.need.to.be.informed,.understand.government’s.functions.

Citizens.should.expect.openness,.honesty,.integrity,.management.of.the.public.trust.

Citizens.should.expect.transparency.on.all.issues.and.answers.to.their.inquiries.

Government.should.expect.to.listen.to.citizens.and.not.assume.they.are.empowered...Government.should.look.to.citizens.for.information.and.for.citizens.to.get.involved.

Citizens.should.expect.core.services...Government.should.expect.the.citizen’s.willingness.to.support.or.pay.for.core.services.

Citizens.should.expect.honest.and.good.information;.quality.services;.integrity.from.staff.and.elected.officials...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.educate.themselves.on.issues.and.understand.civic.engagement.processes.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.operate.in.a.fair.and.open.manner,.that.actions.will.be.in.the.best.interest.of.the.entire.community.and.not.just.a.select.few,.that.actions.will.be.based.on.fact.and.informed.judgment,.and.that.a.reasonable.effort.will.be.made.to.provide.notice.of.a.pending.action...The.government.should.expect.its.citizens.to.provide.input.to.pending.actions.and.to.abide.by.the.decision.once.established.


Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.make.decisions.in.the.best.interest.of.the.citizens;.for.government.to.pursue.without.fail.the.well-being.of.the.community.and.of.the.individual.citizen,.within.the.framework.set.forth.in.the.U.S..Constitution,.the.Bill.of.Rights,.and.the.Declaration.of.Independence...Government.should.expect.its.citizens.to.actively.engage.in.the.democratic.process,.offering.suggestions.for.improved.governmental.operations.–and.serving.when.possible.on.citizen.boards.and.commissions.which.can.encourage.and.promote.effective.government.

Citizens.should.expect.honesty,.integrity.and.competence...Government.should.expect.civility.and.wisdom.from.citizens.

Open.and.unemotional.communication.

To.be.good.stewards.of.government.functions...Again,.citizens.should.abide.by.the.laws.of.the.government.




Citizens.should.expect.decisions.in.the.best.interest.of.the.citizens.and.to.be.treated.fairly.and.equitably...Government.should.expect.honest.input.

Citizens.should.expect.from.government.good.public.purpose...Government.should.expect.from.citizens.honest.reasoned.input.

Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.provide.a.healthy,.financial.and.safe.environment.that.protects.public.resources...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.a.part.of.the.solution.when.it.is.time.to.address.community.problems.and.build.the.bridges.that.support.community.sustainability.

Citizens.should.expect.less.in.the.sense.that.government.is.not.“Daddy.”..Government.should.expect.to.be.challenged.by.citizens.and.not.see.questions.and.opposition.as.threatening...We.have.to.work.collectively.on.issues.and.problems,.not.just.hand.them.over.to.government.

Citizens.should.expect.open.and.transparent.government...Government.needs.to.value.public.participation/involvement.

Government.should.expect.from.citizens.–.active.engagement.in.their.government...A.willingness.to.listen,.but.not.to.trust...To.check.on.government.–.government.is.human...Citizens.should.expect.from.government.–.transparency.and.that.government.will.screw.up...To.get.honesty.and.a.structure.that.checks.on.government...Government.is.conducted.by.humans.–.humans.fear.embarrassment,.they.make.mistakes.

Prudent.use.of.public.resources.to.serve.the.best.interests.of.the.communities...Dialogue.about.areas.of.disagreement.with.their.government.

Citizens.should.expect.honesty,.integrity.and.competence...Government.should.expect.civility.and.wisdom.

Government.exists.to.serve.the.people,.to.improve.their.welfare.and.happiness...


Citizens.have.a.right.to.expect.their.government.to.respond.to.their.phone.calls,.inquiries,.visits,.etc...Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.act.in.a.transparent.fashion...Government.has.a.right.to.expect.its.citizens.to.stay.as.current.as.possible.on.the.issues.facing.the.government...Government.also.has.a.right.to.expect.a.courteous.dialogue.with.its.citizens..

Citizens.should.expect.from.government.accountability,.stability,.services.and.education...Government.should.expect.from.citizens.taxes.and.accountability.




Citizens.have.a.right.to.believe.that.their.tax.dollars.are.being.used.efficiency,.that.their.neighborhoods.are.safe.and.that.their.voices.are.listened.to.by.policy.makers...Government.should.expect.that.people.should.pay.their.fair.share.for.things.like.roads.and.schools.and.that.people.in.government.are.there.to.provide.public.service...

Citizens.should.expect.fair,.honest.and.unbiased.government...Government.should.expect.responsible.participation.

Citizens.should.expect.to.be.part.of.the.process...Government.should.expect.people.to.be.reachable.and.that.the.process.must.allow.time.to.reach.agreement.

Citizens.should.expect.mutual.respect.and.participation...Government.should.expect.ideas.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.be.fiscally.responsible.and.open.to.review...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.knowledgeable.

Citizens.should.expect.the.government.to.be.honest,.to.be.fiscally.responsible,.to.provide.for.good.schools.and.to.have.the.vehicles.in.place.and.in.tune.to.hear.from.us...The.government.should.expect.that.citizens.will.participate.in.the.process,.that.we.will.vote.and.express.ourselves,.that.we.will.be.informed.and.know.about.the.world.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.be.open.and.objective...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.engaged.

Citizens.expect.government.to.listen.to.and.reflect.our.interests.and.requests...Government.should.not.only.listen,.but.give.out.information.and.data.only.it.can.know.before.citizens.undertake.thoughtful.comments...Government.should.expect.many.different.opinions.and.reactions.and.learn.to.sift.which.are.perceptions.which.require.clear.explanations.only,.and.which.are.concerns.which.must.be.fleshed.out.fully...Government.must.also.fill.in.the.large.service.areas.such.as.garbage.disposal,.public.safety,.public.health...These.are.not.well.handled.by.small.initiatives.

Citizens.should.expect.the.Constitutional.guarantees.of.life,.liberty,.and.the.pursuit.of.happiness...In.addition,.citizens.deserve.honest.and.open.government,.with.as.much.explanation.for.government.actions.as.possible...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.as.informed.as.possible,.be.law.abiding.and.if.they.so.choose,.participate.as.volunteers.or.elected.officials.

Citizens.should.expect.open.and.interest.government.officials.and.processes...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.speak.up.and.help.their.communities.




Citizens.should.be.able.to.expect.efficient.services,.and.services.that.they.need...Government.should.be.able.to.expect.the.citizens.to.understand.that.government.serves.everyone,.not.just.the.individual...Cited.example.of.retirees.not.supporting.school.taxes.

Communication.between.citizens.and.government.

Fairness,.rules.apply.to.both.sides...Truthfulness;.govern.with.integrity.

From.government.–.emergency.services.for.region.over.local.lines...From.citizens.–.involvement,.participation,.advice.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.listen.to.and.consider.their.ideas.while.the.government.should.expect.the.citizens.to.monitor.their.actions.and.participate.(when.requested).in.finding.solutions.to.critical.issues.

Citizens.and.government.need.to.view.“regional”.in.an.historical.sense...Cape.Henry,.Williamsburg,.Hampton.are.a.living.part.of.who.we.are...Citizens.have.to.show.up.when.there.are.opportunities.to.participate...Government.must.provide.safe.adequate.infrastructure,.i.e..roads,.police,.etc...At.the.same.time,.government.should.be.policy.driven...Government.should.have.a.plan.for.land.use,.safety...City.should.provide.a.vision.and.strategic.plans.need.to.be.implemented...Virginia.Beach,.for.example,.is.a.young.city.struggling.to.build.a.vision.

Government.should.act.in.the.public.interest,.which.is.what.a.leader.would.do.if.he.saw.clearly,.thought.rationally.and.acted.dispassionately...If.elected.leaders.pursue.the.public.interest,.citizens.should.support.those.leaders.who.are.dedicated.to.the.public.interest...If.they.don’t,.throw.the.rascals.out.

Citizens.should.expect.(1).integrity,.and.(2).serious.attention,.and.study.on.those.subjects.for.which.lawmakers.make.their.decisions...Government.should.expect.(1).response.from.the.public,.(2).the.possibility.that.new.and.creative.ideas.may.be.generated.by.and.at.the.citizen.level,.(3).inputs.of.reasonable.quality.as.opposed.to.flippant.inputs,.and.(4).that.it.will.have.to.differentiate.between.inputs.that.are.genuinely.civic-minded.and.those.that.are.advanced.by.lobbyists.and.special.interests.

Citizens.look.to.government.mainly.for.physical.security.(national.defense,.police).and.justice...In.modern.times,.most.citizens.also.demand.government.to.intervene.to.support.the.economy,.regulate.commerce,.invest.in.public.works,.and.provide.numerous.other.services.(though.the.extent.of.such.functions.provides.the.content.for.political.debate).–.all.delivered.fairly.and.without.corruption...Willingness.to.be.taxed.is.the.principal.necessity.for.government.to.perform.to.expectations...Government.also.needs.participation.of.citizens.on.advisory.bodies.and.juries.and.for.military.service.


# 3 - How close to reality are the answers to the questions above, and why?

The.first.two.interview.questions.asked.about.rights,.duties.and.mutual.expectations...This.question.asked.how.close.to.their.described.ideal.is.the.present.reality.

72%.of.those.interviewed.stated.that.today’s.reality.is.not.close.to.the.ideal.state.when.compared.to.their.descriptions.of.what.should.be.the.mutual.expectations.of.citizens.and.government.

The following are a few examples of answers provided by those who thought reality is not close:

• Today's.reality.does.not.approach.the."percentage.of.reality".that.is.needed.for.local.governments.to.be."high.performing".organizations...Part.of.the.challenge.lies.with.local.government.in.finding.new.ways.to.engage.our.citizens...Many.of.the."old".models.like.traditional."town.hall.meetings".simply.don't.work.as.well.any.more...Today's.citizens.expect.information.and.dialogues.to.be.readily.accessible.at.their.fingertips.at.a.time.and.place.convenient.to.them...So.there.are.challenges.on.both.sides.of.this.equation.

• Citizens’.lives.are.busy.and.often.selfish---as.well.as.full.of.distrust.about.government...Government.is.pressed,.short.on.resources.(to.include.civic.engagement.competencies).and.often.overwhelmed.with.complexity.and.ill-informed.stakeholders,.to.include.government.officials.(both.elected.and.staff).

• Not.even.close.–.too.much.distrust...Leads.to.apathy...Perception.of.influence.by.special.interests.

• Lack.of.trust.by.both.groups.and.minimal.public.engagement.in.the.early.stages...Citizens.spend.all.their.time.fighting.issues.when.we.should.spend.all.our.time.helping.come.up.with.the.best.solutions.

The following are a few examples of answers provided by those who thought reality is close:

• Compared.to.most.of.the.planet,.we.are.close.to.these.expectations.because.of.our.deeply.held.common.values.and.heritage.

• Somewhat.close...I.believe.that.current.laws.make.it.difficult.to.circumvent.open.government...However,.I.believe.citizens.are.too.trusting.of.government.

• I.believe.the.elected.officials.make.an.effort.to.know.the.citizens’.positions.• Local.government.goes.above.and.beyond.what.is.required...Citizens.-.some.don't.vote,.break.

laws...Not.100%.possible,.but.most.are.civil.and.law.abiding.and.care.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance? (not government)


Become.involved...Ask.for.opportunities.to.serve.on.commissions.

They.are.needed.as.watchdogs.and.should.demand.accountability.

Feedback.from.citizens.as.long.as.they.are.informed...Be.on.commissions,.attend.forums,.and.access.Web.site.

Watch.City.Council.cable.channel.for.all.updates.and.votes.

Pay.attention.to.neighborhood.and.neighbors...Local.government.functions.best.with.eyes.and.ears.and.neighborliness.

Not.much.and.I.wouldn’t.expect.them.to.

They.need.to.explain.what.they.want.

They.should.provide.information,.be.aware.of.what.the.issues.are.and.voice.their.opinions.


Citizens.should.be.regularly.engaged.in.dialogue.and.discussion.surrounding.important.issues...Local.government.needs.to.have.a.constant.and.reliable.source.of.grassroots.feedback.in.order.to.truly.be.successful...Too.often,.citizen.engagement.only.occurs.in.those.instances.in.which.the.citizen.is.personally.impacted.in.a.negative.way.

Talk.about.the.issues.with.city.employees.

Not.very.much...Keep.issues.in.front.of.us...Tell.us.right.or.wrong.

Provide.input.to.elected.and.appointed.officials.on.governance.issues.

To.express.their.service.needs.or.opinions.on.what.can.be.improved.

Most.of.the.time,.citizens.and.the.city.start.down.a.path,.do.some.pretty.good.things.and.then.one.or.both.let.it.slide.and.do.not.stick.with.it.

Citizens.can.exercise.their.right.to.vote.in.local,.state.and.federal.election,.they.can.serve.on.boards.and.commissions.which.work.closely.with.governmental.bodies.and.they.can.offer.constructive.criticism.for.improved.governmental.operations.

Let.their.views.be.known...Not.good.to.operate.in.a.vacuum.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance? (not

government)


Day-to-day.business.should.be.the.responsibility.of.employees.hired.to.perform.such.functions.

Help.shape.broad.public.policy.by.input.and.participation.

Citizens.should.once.again.volunteer.to.serve.on.committees.and.boards.and.act.as.liaisons.between.the.governance.structure.that.plays.a.role.in.shaping.policies.and.programs.

Citizens.need.to.participate.in.ways.beyond.just.paying.taxes.

To.provide.feedback.

They.should.stay.reasonably.informed,.offer.advice.if.they.have.it,.volunteer.in.some.way.and.vote.

Be.aware.and.volunteer.

Say.informed.on.issues.and.communicate.with.elected.officials...


Be.informed,.education.is.the.key.

Serving.on.advisory.boards.and.commissions.

The.citizens.should.not.try.to.micro-manage.the.government.

They.should.express.their.ideas.at.council.meetings.and.work.in.forums.to.provide.advice.and.counsel.to.those.who.govern.

Be.vigilant.in.assuring.that.the.laws,.rules.and.regulations.are.carried.out.

Go.to.public.hearings.

Citizens.should.essentially.“delegate”.their.confidence.to.government.for.regular.services.AFTER.governments.make.available.good.and.timely.information.about.the.policies,.procedures.and.programs.that.govern.the.localities’.services...Citizens.have.a.responsibility.to.pro-actively.learn.about.the.services.and.published.expectations...Citizens.should.then.essentially.operate.as.partners.–.providing.comments.to.government.when.the.services.are.not.delivered.properly,.etc.

Citizens.should.be.judicious.in.involvement.and.let.people.do.their.jobs,.supported.when.right.and.not.lambasted.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance? (not government)

Other Citizen Leaders (continued):Not.quite.clear.on.the.question...Like.participation.in.town.halls?

Reading.newspaper.accounts.of.what.is.actually.being.done...Keep.a.critical.watch.over.the.governmental.activities.

Again,.education.is.the.key...That.requires.time,.so.citizens.must.devote.some.minimum.level.of.time.to.attend.to.what.is.happening.in.their.communities.

Citizens.should.take.the.time.to.become.informed...Even.though.most.everyone.has.taken.at.least.one.government.class.in.school,.most.citizens.do.not.know.or.understand.the.day-to-day.business.of.governance...Citizens.must.take.the.opportunity.(make.time).to.educate.themselves.on.the.day-to-day.business.of.governance.

They.can.be.“eyes.and.ears”.for.what.is.done.right.and.wrong.with.day-to-day.business.and.they.can.participate.in.the.important.processes.–.budget,.planning,.etc.

Citizens.elect.people.to.make.decisions...But.many.citizens.think.that.they.can.direct.the.details.of.government...The.system.doesn’t.provide.for.detailed.management.of.government...As.an.example,.we.vote.on.school.board.members,.who.will.direct.curriculum...Citizens.don’t.lay.out.the.details.of.curriculum.

Step.forward.–.public.feedback.

In.one.sense,.not.much,.given.the.multifarious.ways.we.now.expect.government.at.all.levels.to.be.involved.with.everything...But,.in.general,.a.responsible.citizen.will.keep.abreast.of.the.main.public.issues.of.the.day.through.perusing.newspaper,.TV,.magazines,.the.Internet.and.by.gossiping.with.neighbors.and.fellow.workers...Then,.the.concerned.citizen.will.speak.up.when.it.appears.necessary.to.“explain”.something.to.an.elected.official.or.bureaucrat.

There.needs.to.be.more.of.a.role,.accountability.is.at.stake...There.is.not.enough.diversity.on.advisory.boards,.government.needs.larger.pools.to.draw.and.appoint.from...Could.use.something.as.simple.as.focus.groups...Citizens.must.be.involved.in.the.strategic.planning.for.the.overall.vision.

Know.what.issues.impact.your.community...Understand.the.issues,.know.the.best.way.to.contact.your.government,.attempt.to.reduce.work.instead.of.adding.work,.provide.quality.input.at.the.right.time,.as.the.right.questions.without.causing.conflict.

Advise.elected.officials,.attend.public.meetings.and.hearings,.keep.elected.officials.informed,.form.associations.of.like-minded.individuals.to.amplify.one’s.opinion,.rally.and.demonstrate.if.necessary.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance?

(not government)


Citizens,.those.desiring.and.able.to.do.so,.can.and.should.monitor.the.progress.of.programs.and.study.the.issues...Citizens.should.play.little.or.no.role.in.the.day-to-day.operations.of.public.agencies.or.government.departments.

Citizens.can.state.what.is.bothering.them.whether.that.is.potholes.or.bullying.in.schools...Then,.the.infrastructure.for.carrying.complaints.beyond.complaining.must.be.in.place.and.there.must.be.a.sense.that.we’re.all.in.this.together.

I.believe.the.average.citizen.has.enormous.powers.to.affect.the.business.of.governance...As.a.former.elected.official,.I.have.seen.firsthand.what.can.be.accomplished.when.citizens.engage.is.issues.of.importance.to.them.

One.way.citizens.become.involved.in.governance.not.government,.is.stepping.in.where.the.city.fails.to.act...For.instance,.the.historic.VB.house.properties.required.a.few.committed.citizens.to.form.a.group.in.the.1980s.which.has.guided.the.vision.on.their.value.to.the.City...The.group.moved.on.to.work.with.City.staff.and.although.preservation.remains.contentious.and.has.become.politicized,.it.still.is.a.good.example.of.the.necessity.for.citizen.governance.

To.sometimes.offer.themselves.up.for.office.

Be.involved.and.keep.knowledgeable.of.the.issues...Participate.in.the.process.

Responsibility.–.recognize.their.role.and.take.it.

They.should.vote.and.know.what.is.going.on...They.should.speak.up.on.issues.and.be.pro-active.

.


#5 - When and where should citizens participate in public administration?

In.response.to.“when”.citizens.should.participate,.“early.in.the.process”.was.a.very.common.theme...In.response.to.“where”.citizens.should.participate,.public.hearings.and.boards.and.commissions.topped.the.list...The.following.lists.provide.the.most.mentioned.responses.

When Where

As.policy.is.being.developedPublic.meetings,.hearings,.council.meetings,..town.halls,.committee.meetings

During.the.planning.processServe.on.boards,.commissions,.committees,.and.task.forces

As.early.as.possible Talk.with.elected.officials

During.the.concept.period Civic.and.neighborhood.group.functions

During.the.budget.processUse.existing.participation.structures.(comment.periods,.board.reviews)

Anytime.they.are.asked Write.letters.to.the.newspaper.editor

E=Elected Official A=Appointed Official O=Other Citizen Leader

Citizens.can.participate.in.two.primary.ways...First,.they.can.volunteer.their.expertise.and.serve.on.formal.or.ad-hoc..boards,.commissions.and.committees.that.advise.the.local.government.administration.on.issues.and.policies...Second,.they.can.participate.in.a.more.“organic”.grass.roots.fashion.to.provide.input.and.advice.into.the.workings.of.local.government...I.don’t.see.a.significant.role.in.actual.administration.beyond.these.types.of.activities.

A

Neighborhood.Office,.serve.on.committees,.speak.at.public.hearings. A

Talk.to.staff.(educate).before.going.to.elected.officials...Use.the.committee.structure. AWe.have.a.training.academy.and.tell.citizens.they.can.call.directly...Staff.is.always.asking,.telling.and.talking.to.people...We.share.phone.numbers.and.Neighborhood.Connections.will.run.interference.for.citizens.and.believe.that.citizens.do.have.a.role.

A

At.public.hearings,.public.meetings.and.op-ed.responses. AIt.is.disappointing.that.people.do.not.come.to.City.Council.meetings.. A

An.individual.choice.for.each.citizen. AWhere.ever.their.comfort.zone.allows,.formal.or.informal. A

During.the.planning.process. A

Role.in.questioning.long.standing.policies.“We’ve.always.done.it.this.way.”.Question.is.“why?” A

Boards.and.committees. A




Citizens.need.to.have.avenues.which.allow.participation.as.issues.and.problems.and.expenditures.are.planned. A

Citizens’.values.should.be.reflected.in.public.policy.decisions.but.without.violating.the.consciousness.of.minorities...Citizens.should.not.be.expected.to.become.experts...And.clearly,.when.directly.affected.–.like.with.land.use.decisions.or.when.things.have.long-term.implications.

A

Boards,.commissions,.city.meetings,.public.hearings. AAccess.elected.and.appointed.officials.and.at.public.hearings. A

Show.up.at.meetings.and.talk.with.elected.officials.before.issues.are.studied. E

Apply.for.appointments,.if.interested...Input.is.needed...Voting. E

Chat.with.their.elected.representatives. E

Public.hearings.for.the.planning.commission.and.city.council,.boards.and.commissions,.volunteerism,.neighborhood.councils. E

Through.board.and.commissions.as.needed.by.the.government...Parks.and.Rec,.Storm.Water.Management,.Planning.Commission,.Economic.Development.and.the.Library.are.some.that.come.to.mind.

E

Public.forums,.committees.and.hearings. EBoards.and.commissions.and.public.hearings. EIndividuals:.assess.what.is.happening.–.speak.up...Groups.–.powerful.tool,.organize.to.be.heard. O

Not.behind.closed.doors.or.as.decisions.are.made. OPublic.hearings,.boards.and.commissions,.public.programs. OAt.council.meetings,.study.sessions,.at.hearings.and.commission.meetings. OIn.all.government.commissions,.boards.at.all.levels. O

Volunteer.for.boards,.etc. O

Citizens.should.participate.actively.as.policy.decisions.are.developed.and/or.reviewed.for.modification...They.should.also.participate.in.those.services.that.are.essentially.co-produced---say.community.policing.(neighborhood.watch,.etc)...Citizens.should.feel.free.to.suggest.when.and.where.services.should.be.a.partnership.with.the.community...And.they.should.certainly.participate.in.workshops,.hearings.or.other.forums.where.programs.and.budgets.are.discussed.and/or.decided...Governments.want.responsible.citizen.involvement.and.will.actually.add.more.participation.on.a.voluntary.basis.when.it.is.enjoyed.and.performed.responsibly...“You.can’t.fight.city.hall”.is.wrong-headed...It.takes.very.few.people.to.change.the.direction.of.city.hall.

O




As.customers,.they.have.a.right.and.duty.to.speak.freely.if.not.being.served. OAdvisory.groups,.neighborhood.improvement/civic.groups,.churches. OVolunteer.for.boards.and.commissions,.attend.public.hearings,.participate.in.civic.leagues.and.other.available.groups. OCitizens. should.be.willing. to.provide. comments,. positive. and.negative,. to. those.who.administer. their.governments.. .Be.willing. to.attend.public.hearings.and.speak.out.on.issues.

O

The.short.answer.is.daily.and.at.whatever.venue.is.offered...If.they.do.participate,.then.most.citizens.wait.until.a.public.hearing.in.city.hall.on.a.matter....This.is.not.exercising.good.citizenship.

O

Anytime.they.see.something.good.or.bad,.anytime.they.have.a.suggestion.for.improvement.and.each.time.there.is.a.budget.or.planning.opportunity. O

Look.for.waste...Cancel.funds.for.programs.proven.to.fail. OAs.indicated.above,.they.should.be.willing.to.set.aside.personal.commitments.to.serve.formally.on.juries,.commissions.and.in.the.military...They.should.also.be.willing.to.attend.and.speak.at.hearings.or.other.types.of.opportunities.to.provide.“guidance”—whether.or.not.sought.

O

There. should. be. small. cooperative. groups. given. specific. tasks. –. in. the. spirit. of. the.volunteer.office.. .Use.citizens. in.brainstorming.–.“none.of.us. is.as.smart.as.all.of.us.”..Sometimes,.the.bureaucracy.negatively.impacts.relations.

O

When?. . As. early. as. possible,. preferably. at. the. concept. stage.. .Where?. . . Town. Hall.meetings,.committee.meetings,.civic.meetings,.public.forums.. O

Generally,. I. support. a. professional. civil. service.. . Opportunities. to. serve. on. boards,.commissions,.committees,.and.task.forces.are.excellent.means.to.provide.rational.and.objective.input.

O

Citizens,.those.desiring.and.able.to.do.so,.should.respond.to.any.and.all.public.notice.requests. for. public. inputs;. should. take. advantage. of. agency. or. public. hearing. public.comment.periods;.should.produce.studied.papers.or.OpEds.on.selected.subjects;.and.should.participate.in.or.monitor,.public.agency.board.meetings.or.other.events.

O

Boards.and.commissions,.neighborhood.groups.such.as.civic.leagues.can.be.very.effective.when.trained. O

Citizens.should.participate.in.public.administration.in.areas.they.have.passion.or.expertise...My.experience.is.with.local.government.and.there.are.numerous.boards,.commissions.and.other.efforts.that.constantly.need.the.involvement.of.the.citizens.

O

The.average.citizen.doesn’t.take.advantage.of.the.many.ways.he.can.be.involved...Every.project.(or.most).has.times.for.citizen.input.or.uses.citizen.advisory.committees.to.help.guide.the.process...VB.Middle.School.is.a.good.example.and.31st.Street.is.an.example.of.how.not.to.engage.the.public.

O




On.committees,.communicating.with.elected.officials,.speaking.at.a.public.hearing. O

Passing.buck...You.would.hope.there.would.be.a.channel.for.participation...Takes.a.long.time.to.get.to.the.table.with.action.from.suggestions. O

Boards.and.commissions...Attend.hearings. O


#6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aide public participation?


In.the.broad.context,.public.agencies.should.encourage.and.aide.public.participation.to.monitor.and.evaluate.progress.(i.e..How.are.things.going?).and.when.changes.in.course.are.being.considered.(i.e..change.in.vision,.policy.).This.input.generally.falls.into.either.a.discussion.regarding.“tactical”. issues.versus.“strategic”. issues..Both.are.ripe. for.public.participation...The.question.of.when.seems.to.me.to.differ.according.to.what.is.the.nature.of. the. desired. participation.. . The.more. “tactical”. questions.warrant. a.more. frequent.structure.of. input.while. the.“strategic”.questions.come.about. less.often.but.generally.require.a.more.intense.collaboration.

A

We.provide.public.hearings.on.specific.issues.where.we.establish.a.dialogue. A

Advertise;.recruit.committees.. A

When.public.participation.adds.value.to.the.governance.process. A

By.providing.information.freely.and.being.accessible.to.the.public. A

When?..Always,.but.particularly.during.the.community.comprehensive.planning.process.where.decisions.made.therein.will.affect.the.entire.community.for.many.years....How?..By.attending.public.meetings,.such.as.City.Council.Meetings,.Planning.Commission.Meetings.and.by.answering.city-wide.surveys.sent.by.government.to.gather.citizen.input..

A

Venue.is.important...Make.it.convenient.and.comfortable...Less.formal.settings. A

During. the. formation. of. governmental. policy. and. regulations. sponsored. by. the.government. A

When.setting.broad.public.policy..Should.light.rail.have.been.part.of.the.Midtown.Tunnel.project.being.advertised? A

As.often.as.necessary.and.not.wait.until.there.is.a.community.crisis. A

Public.agencies.and.departments.must.actively.go.out.into.the.community.to.formally.ask.for.information.and.help.in.solving.difficult.problems.such.as.gang.activity...There.must.be.an.ongoing.public/civic/.community.dialogue.at.the.conversational.informal.one-on-one.level.as.well.

A

Make. it. easy. technically.. . E-notification,. email,. people. (not. machines). answering.phones,.publish.phone.numbers.of.officials...But.mostly,.have.an.attitude.that.welcomes.participation.

A

Public.hearings,.special.forums,.boards.and.commissions. A




Encourage.volunteerism,.participation.in.public.events. E

Have.a.duty.to.notify.citizens,.offer.opportunities.to.comment,.plenty.of.technical.possibilities,.be.open.as.possible,.build.trust. E

We.need.to.do.a.better.job.of.telling.what.the.city.has.done...Do.a.better.job.of.creating.forums.and.meetings...Doing.better.on.the.Web.site...Newspapers.are.not.the.future...City.TV.channel.with.information...Provide.an.avenue.for.communication.

E

Often.and.continuously. EProvide.information.before.a.decision.and.help.guide.the.decision...Desire.to.participate.seems.to.be.growing. E

Media.for.announcements.and.public.hearings.or.comment.sessions.are.the.usual.approach...Elected.officials.need.to.take.a.proactive.role.in.holding.yearly.town.meetings.

E

They.need.to.get.public.input.from.day.one.and.not.after.decisions.have.been.made. E

They.should.seek.out.public.comment.before.decisions.are.made.as.to.solutions.for.issues. E

At.very.beginning.in.any.project;.very.thoroughly. OThrough.the.communication.process...Get.agencies.to.have.people.active.in.creative.solutions. O

Public.settings...One-on-one.visits.with.officials. O

By.hosting.public.comment.sessions.at.various.times.of.the.day.and.at.all.commission.and.council.meetings...All.agencies.and.departments.should.encourage.public.participation.in.planning.and.comment.opportunities..

O

By.all.acceptable.means.possible,.as.often.as.necessary. OUse.on-line.tools..Be.available.for.discussions.in.the.media...Hold.public.discussion.forums. O

Anytime.and.anywhere.public.safety.or.health.or.quality.of.life.is.concerned...The.front-end.is.the.best.time.but.localities.should.review.services.periodically.to.determine.when.and.how.cooperation/participation.can.better.occur.

O

Regularly.and.often;.more.than.“public.meetings”.which.are.too.often.designed.to.mute.voices...Use.more.creativity.and.sincerity. O

They.have.a.duty.to.educate.the.public..Collect.the.facts,.analyze,.make.available.on.Web.site..Meetings.should.be.held.at.a.time.when.people.can.participate.. O

..



E=Elected Official A=Appointed Officia O=Other Citizen Leader

Opportunities.to.volunteer.should.be.publicized...Public.forums.should.have.clear.topics.and.multiple.occasions.to.participate...Council.and.senior.administrators.should.be.clearly.available.

O

More.and.more.citizens.communicate.through.electronic.means:.email,.texting,.on-line.searching,.etc. O

Again,.this.answer.depends.on.the.issue.and.the.situation...However,.public.agencies.must.take.proactive.measures.to.make.sure.that.citizens.understand.the.issues.and.participate.in.the.debate.of.the.same.

O

Every.issue.should.comply.with.a.specified.public.engagement.component.that.flows.from.a.formal.public.engagement.policy...There.should.be.resources.to.promote,.educate,.encourage,.empower.and.facilitate.the.public.at.all.stages.of.public.decision.consideration.and.decision.making.

O

Certain.events,.like.budgets,.comprehensive.plans,.big.tax.increases.where.concentrated.education.is.needed...We.don’t.pay.government.enough.to.have.on-line.dialogue.with.every.single.person...The.public.doesn’t.make.decisions;.they.elect.people.to.make.decisions.

O

EARLY,.before.decisions.are.made...Fact.gathering.while.approach.is.still.on.the.table. O

One.of.the.reasons.governments.take.longer.than.businesses.to.make.decisions.and.execute.them.is.the.worthy.effort.often.made.to.provide.opportunities.for.citizens.and.special.interests.to.express.ideas.and.preferences.on.contemplated.activities...Often.this.process.of.public.consultation.is.described.cynically.as.prudent.“cya”,.but.if.new.policy.or.major.expense.is.involved,.the.public.should.be.consulted..However,.the.extent.to.which.this.should.be.done.can.be.over-emphasized...For.example,.it.may.take.years.for.the.City.of.New.York.to.execute.a.project,.even.just.cleaning.up.a.nuisance.property,.because.of.the.layers.of.process.that.have.been.foisted.on.its.agencies.over.the.years...Ideally,.once.responsible.officials.complete.the.consultation.process,.to.whatever.degree.is.appropriate,.bureaucrats.should.be.free.to.execute.without.interference,.with.results.subject.to.audit.and.disclosure.

O

Needs.to.be.a.culture.of.openness. O

Whenever.they.need.to.make.a.decision.that.impacts.a.community.or.individual....Whenever.a.decision.spends.a.lot.of.taxpayer’s.money...Hold.public.hearings,.visit.civic.groups,.contact.individuals,.mediate.development.projects.

O

Use.all.means.possible...Read.the.newspaper,.handle.phone.calls.respectfully,.consider.opinion,.especially.that.which.is.critical,.hold.meeting,.hearings,.written.comment.periods,.attend.community.events.to.listen,.not.talk,.and.in.all.ways.be.open.to.communication.

O


6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aide public participation?


First,.they.need.to.generate.the.idea.that.such.civic.engagement.is.useful...Then.they.have.to.generate.space.and.procedures.for.this.to.happen.and.they.need.to.design.that.process.to.be.one.in.which.the.agency’s.board.members.are.not.made.victims.and.become.the.subjects.of.fury.and.rage,.but.rather.that.the.agency.designs.the.process.in.a.way.that.steers.the.public.to.make.comments.on.subjects.for.which.the.agency.needs.input...For.example,.allow.and.seek.public.comments.on.a.certain.two.or.three.agenda.items.in.an.MPO.Board.meeting.instead.of.all.topics.on.the.agenda.(or.even.any.subject.not.on.the.agenda)...The.idea.of.a.public.comment.period.at.the.beginning.of.a.Board.meeting.requires.the.public.to.comment.before.being.aware.of.the.agencies.information,.and.a.public.comment.period.at.the.end.of.a.Board.meeting.risks.having.public.comments.put.forward.“after”.a.decision.was.made...All.this,.of.course,.is.not.easy.

O

People.need.to.see.the.process.before.it.unfolds.as.well.as.understanding.the.unfolding...Asking.for.public.input.after.the.decision.has.been.made.has.led.to.public.disinterest.as.well.as.public.distrust..Asking.for.citizen.input,.then.ignoring.it.by.saying.government.is.acting.in.their.best.interest,.is.one.of.the.worst.habits.our.local.governments.have.

O

Public.agencies.and.departments.should.encourage.public.participation.on.a.regular.basis..Having.gone.through.this.exercise.on.numerous.projects,.I.can.attest.that.sometimes.the.process.is.a.bit.messy.and.laborious..I.can.also.attest.that.involving.the.public.at.crucial.decision.points.of.an.issue.has.provided.great.insight.that.has.led.to.improvements.not.originally.considered,.as.well.as.winning.the.support.of.people.in.order.to.move.forward.with.the.project..Basically,.the.time.to.keep.the.public.informed.is.during,.not.after,.the.decision.making.process.

O

Be.as.transparent.as.possible...Encourage.rather.than.discourage.public.participation. O

Time.-.take.the.time.to.do.their.job...It’s.their.job.to.aide.public.participation.but.many.seem.bothered.by.it. O

Prior.to.decision.time...Newsletters.and.public.meetings.to.educate.the.public. O


#7 – What needs to be in place for this to happen?


An.organizational.plan.on.how.to.involve.the.public.

Willingness.to.be.transparent...Can’t.have.things.to.hide...Have.to.be.honest.

Internet,.especially.for.young.people.

Trust.of.local.government.

Commitment.from.staff.and.elected.officials.to.put.these.things.in.place...It.takes.lots.of.staff.time,.so.there.has.to.be.a.commitment.

Energy.and.care.

Government.needs.to.believe.the.public.will.respond.if.asked.and.will.be.honest.in.their.information.

Public.officials.need.to.change.their.negative.attitude.about.public.engagement.


First.of.all,.you.need.leadership.that.embraces.and.values.this.kind.of.input...Second,.you.need.the.“infrastructure”.to.successfully.carry.out.this.type.of.complex.information.gathering...This.infrastructure.includes.trained.facilitators,.the.people.necessary.to.handle.the.logistics.and.manage.the.data.collection.and.lastly,.you.need.an.effective.network.of.grassroots.leaders.and.organizations.willing.to.serve.as.partners.

The.City.(Hampton).includes.this.in.its.planning.process.

Internal.structure,.TV,.Web,.press...Special.interest.areas.assigned.to.staff...Meetings.in.neighborhoods.

The.culture,.would.need.knowledge.of.how.to.do.it...Need.to.resist.the.feeling.that.government.knows.best.

Local.government.policy.statement.endorsed.by.citizens.defining.expectations.

Better.civic.understanding.by.citizens.and.public.servants.

Effective.public.communication.between.government.and.citizens.

Neighborhood.town.hall.settings.

Active.public.awareness.campaigns.




Change.public.meetings.–.now.only.gripe.sessions...Need.well-planned.preliminary.communications.

Support.from.all.levels.of.government.from.the.city.administration.and.elected.officials.

Belief.that.these.are.valuable,.not.painful.and.not.a.waste.of.time...Elected.officials.have.blamed.public.servants.in.public.and.it.was.painful...A.thorough.understanding.of.how.to.frame.issues.to.ask.for.input.that.can.be.responded.to.honestly...Ask.for.manageable.input.–.to.frame.the.appropriate.question...Time.to.repeat.processes.until.the.public.believes...Need.to.know.how.to.avoid.loud.citizens.imposing.their.will.

The.geographic.area.and.community.of.interest.needs.to.be.addressed.through.better.means...Newspapers,.even.city.pages,.are.not.reaching.many.people..Therefore,.more.outreach.rather.than.always.expecting.citizens.to.convene.for.a.discussion.held.far.from.their.homes.or.requiring.childcare.and.other.special.arrangements.

A.commitment.by.government.to.open.up.channels.and.behave.in.an.open.way.

Use.of.technology,.public.events.that.encourage.participation.

Willing.citizens.and.open.government.


Education.system.must.be.restructured.to.include.social.justice.with.math.and.science...Children.need.to.understand.that.citizens.affect.public.policy.

Regional.authorities.–.too.many.directions,.fighting.each.other...Problems.–.population.bases.or.power.bases...Need.to.have.a.center.to.be.a.region.

Have.a.fair.and.balanced.citizen.organization.

Better.advertisement.of.meetings.and.hearings.and.the.encouragement.of.citizens.to.participate.in.open.discussions.about.issues.

Boards.and.commission.requirements.

The.tools.exist;.just.need.the.desire.to.use.them.

Localities.should.establish.“social.contracts”.with.neighborhoods.and.citizens.at.large.regarding.how.and.when.decisions.will.be.made...Local.decisions.at.the.neighborhood.level.require.conversations.at.scales.that.are.closer.and.more.intimate...But.even.large.city.or.county-wide.decisions.should.have.an.explicit.social.contract.that.sets.out.expectations.for.involvement.and/or.adjustments.based.on.performance.




Use.computers;.pick.“best.practices”.for.input.from.others.

Email.lists,.electronic.distribution,.Web.presence.

Sell.your.Web.site.to.the.public...When.council.members.are.running.for.office.items.should.be.discussed.broadly.

Government.could.easily.offer,.for.example,.email.updates.to.those.on.email.address.lists.tailored.to.specific.citizen.interests...Citizens.could.be.asked.to.sign.up.on.the.lists.that.interest.them,.to.keep.current...These.email.lists.are.maintained.today.by.many.organizations.and.companies,.and.they.are.easily.updated.by.those.on.the.list.by.offering.a.place.at.the.bottom.of.each.email.to.change.the.applicable.email.address.or.to.unsubscribe.to.that.particular.email.sequence.

Education.on.how.to.do.it.for.both.the.citizen.and.the.government.

Dedicated.resources.and.a.well-defined.public.engagement.policy.and.set.of.processes.

Tools,.ask.early,.on-line.surveys,.use.public.participation.consultants.

As.a.practical.matter,.responsive.government.means.elected.leaders.and.public.managers.who.are.sensitive.to.when.public.consultation.is.appropriate...Has.debate.during.the.election.provided.a.mandate?..Is.the.matter.utterly.routine.and.subject.to.considerable.prior.precedents?..Has.the.actual.plan.been.given.reasonable.public.exposure?..Is.notice.adequate.or.should.hearings.be.held?..A.good.politician,.especially.one.in.opposition,.will.raise.the.hue.and.cry.when.an.important.issue.needs.more.public.involvement.

The.public.needs.to.believe.their.input.will.be.taken.seriously...Feels.sometimes.like.we.are.asked.only.because.they.are.obligated.to.ask,.don’t.know.what.will.be.done.with.answers.

A.highly-motivated.civic.engagement.mindset.in.the.government.agency...An.understanding.by.the.citizens.that.they.must.participate...A.good.citizen.hierarchy.

First,.a.receptive.attitude;.if.that.does.not.exist,.don’t.bother.with.the.rest....

Better.communication.with.open.forums,.Web.sites.

Improve.mindset.–.people.aren’t.addressing.job/issue.at.hand.

Better.sharing.of.information.

People.need.to.be.motivated...They.should.participate.because.this.is.“my.neighborhood.”..Sometimes.it.requires.an.issue.in.involve.citizens.




Most.often.an.issue.drives.the.public.to.ask.for.more.information.and.help.in.solving.problems...Government.should.be.there.to.orient.and.provide.this.technical.assistance.

In.order.for.this.to.happen,.there.has.to.be.an.elected.leadership.with.staff.support.that.is.willing.to.engage.the.public...This.is.a.time.consuming.process.that.can.reap.great.rewards.when.executed.properly.

A.real.commitment.to.long-range.planning...A.public.design.for.cities.and.region.which.can.be.modified.after.thoughtful.discussion,.but.not.chopped.into.conditional.use.permits.(for.example).

The.genuine.belief.that.this.is.beneficial;.a.willingness.to.cope.with.the.extra.work.that.results;.a.procedure.that.accommodates.the.process.and.that.has.rules.that.steer.the.process.to.useful.results...Beyond.public.(citizen).comment.periods,.other.forms.of.public.input.need.to.be.devised...This.could.include.(1).the.formation.of.formally-established.advisory.committees.that.are.tasked.to.distill.inputs.they.collect.into.an.organized.single,.sifted.input.that.has.additional.benefits.of.being.the.product.of.a.serious.committee.discussion,.and.that.is.therefore,.somewhat.of.a.polished.input,.and.(2).an.array.of.such.advisory.committees.that.can.obtain.“both”.professional.and.public.“polished”.inputs.


#8 - What could be changed to increase or improve citizen participation?


We.need.leadership.development.at.all.levels...Not.everyone.who.is.elected.to.office.is.an.effective.leader.and.even.fewer.truly.understand.the.virtues.of.being.a.facilitative.leader.in.today’s.diverse.world...We.need.to.do.a.better.job.of.teaching.citizens.to.be.partners.-.not.disenfranchised.stockholders...Partners.who.are.capable.of.true.civic.discourse.and.creative.problem.solving.

A

Increase.public.forums.and.on-line.opportunities. A

Use.the.churches.and.the.schools.and.other.interactions.(service.club.speakers).to.get.the.word.out. A

Every.staff.person.should.have.training.on.citizen.participation.and.public.involvement...But.there.is.fear.-.citizens.can.be.ugly.and.rude. A

Identifying.citizens.who.are.knowledgeable.and.willing.to.commit.time. A

Make.it.easy.for.the.citizens.to.participate...Increased.use.of.Internet. AThe.ward.system.has.distracted.citizen.participation.toward.ward.council.members.rather.than.toward.City.Hall.or.the.entire.City.Council...It.has.encouraged.a.“we/they”.dichotomy.that.has.increased...Citizens.need.to.see.themselves.more.as.potential.“partners”.with.the.City,.instead.of.people.who.are.called.to.be.led.by.a.ward.council.member.

A

Community/Town. Hall. Meetings. with. smaller. segments. of. a. community’s. population,.promoting.more. individual. participation. and. a. clearer. understanding. of. one’s. ability. and.opportunity.to.participate.

A

Different.venues.and.increased.frequency...Not.just.when.a.hot.topic.comes.along. A

Public.notices.in.local.newspapers,.cable.access.channels,.etc. AAdd.information.to.opportunity...Improve.credibility...Make.investments.to.gain.results. A

Enhanced.education.and.information.being.provided.to.the.populace.on.the.importance.of.active.citizen.participation. A

Government.must.stop.being.afraid.of.citizen.participation.or.knowledge.of.possibly.dangerous.or.difficult.situations...When.citizens.are.brought.into.the.circle.of.planning.and.information,.they.rise.to.the.occasion...More.transparency...More.one-on-one.network.building.

A

Increased.opportunities.. .Quit. keeping. secrets. and. asking. for. input. after.decisions.. . Pose.viable.questions.–.no.point.asking.what.you.can’t.live.with...Commit.to.understanding.what.actually.is.the.problem.

A

More.skillful.processes.can.increase.or.improve.citizen.participation...Organizational.capacity.needs.to.be.built. A

Institute.technical.improvements.and.attitude.changes. A




Educate.the.public.on.the.need.to.get.involved. A

Building.more.trust.and.the.willingness.of.citizens.to.participate. AUse.technology.to.engage.the.public...Make.it.easy. EStumbling. block.. . Lack. of. citizens’. ability. to. access. information.. . Leaders. should.make. it.understandable...Currently,.it.is.confusing...Education.on.participation.policies. E

Streaming.City.Council.meetings...City.channel.requires.cable. E

Quarterly.updates.sent.via.US.mail.. E

Interactive.Web.site;.easy.access.and.easy.participation;.town.hall.meetings. E

Realizing.that.citizens.are.as.informed.as.themselves.on.issues. E

Make.it.easy.for.the.citizens.to.participate...Make.it.more.transparent...Keep.it.simple. EPublic.officials.need.to.engage.the.public.in.the.decision.making.process. EEducate.to.understand.diversity.and.culture. OTransportation.-.Light.rail.and.ferries...It’s.the.major.hurdle...Fast.ferry.and.then.connections.need.federal.funding. O

Change.the.general.apathy! OThat.they.need.to.participate.in.an.open.discussion.on.issues.and.not.just.take.testimony.at.public.gatherings. O

Public.announcement.of.board/commission.activity.that.directly.benefits.citizens. O

Stop.expecting.everyone.to.understand.every.little.detail.of.an.issue...Don’t.really.understand.how.to.communicate.the.most.important.facts.surrounding.an.issue. O

Localities.should.take.meetings.or.communications.with.their.citizens.seriously.and.resort.to.good.professional.practices.that.are.effective. in.deepening.conversations.and.establishing.trustful. relationships.. . Clear. values. should. be. specified. and. monitored. for. how. such.engagements.will.be.conducted...Roles.and.expectations.of.citizens.and.government.agencies.should.be.very.clear.to.each.other.

O

Use.media.for.feedback;.host.meetings.at.workplaces.at.lunch.time;.change.Constitution.to.allow.pseudo-Calif..Process.for.referenda. O

Engage.younger.people....How.about.a.Norfolk.City.Youth.Council? O




Issues.should.be.mailed.or.emailed.to.populace.with.information.and.potential.opportunities.to.respond. O

Include.email.address.lists.to.provide.minutes.from.council.meetings,.board.meetings.and.other.public.organizations. O

Fear.that.the.citizens.have.a.hidden.agenda...Fear.that.the.citizens.will.slow.down.the.process...Fear.that.the.citizens.will.come.up.with.a.solution.that.does.not.square.with.state.or.local.law.

O

They.think.citizens.are.negative,.uninformed.and.uninterested.and.they.treat.them.as.such..Their.own.fears.and.lack.of.competence.exaggerate.the.conditions.toward.failure. O

Needs.to.be.informed.participation...Disappointed.in.citizen.apathy.and.willingness.to.be.informed...They.don’t.get.engaged.in.long-term.issues...Civic.ignorance.creates.problems.like.transportation.

O

On-line.surveys. OProbably,.in.modern.times,.the.biggest.impediment.to.increased.citizen.engagement.is.simply.the.sheer.complexity.of.government.activities,.where.technicians.and.consultants.need.to.provide.expert.guidance.and.the.public.simply.cannot.be.expected.to.absorb.much.of.the.facts...In.such.cases,.the.tendency.is.to.believe.the.experts.know.best.and.there.is.no.way.to.ferret.out.basic.choices.for.public.consideration...Indeed,.knowing.how.to.do.that.is.a.technical.skill.in.itself.

O

There.should.be.an.ongoing.process,.it.seems.to.be.compartmentalized...It.takes.time.and.effort.to.get.citizens.operating.on.the.same.set.of.facts.that.government.is.using...There.must.be.greater.openness.and.frankness.–.we.need.the.bad.news.too.

O

They.feel.the.citizen.is.not.well-informed.so.their.input.isn’t.necessary..They.feel.they.are.the.experts.and.they.know.best.how.to.handle.an.issue...All.citizens.do.is.cause.rework.and.problems.

O

Use.more.electronic.means,.more.evening.hearings;.reach.people.in.their.places.of.business.or.association. O

Officials.think.that.talking.to.the.public.will.cause.delays.and.confuse.the.issue.and.that.citizens.are.not.knowledgeable.enough.to.know.what.is.best.for.them. O

Increasing.citizen.participation.is.more.of.a.long-term.issue..Teaching.the.next.generation.their.moral.and.patriotic.obligation.to.participate.is.the.key. O

More.citizen.participation.requires.more.thorough.understanding.that.neighborhoods.are.different..Black.and.white.participation.often.becomes.fragmented.due.to.misinformation.and.perceptions..Government.must.continue.to.find.ways.to.inform.citizens.through.meetings.where.citizens.congregate.instead.of.holding.meetings.and.expecting.people.to.appear.

O

��The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.



Since.vigilance.is.necessary.on.the.part.of.citizenry.in.order.to.carry.through.projects.some.people.end.up.doing.the.“carrying.” O

It.must.be.made.easier. O

Convincing.citizens.that.participation.will.lead.to.action...Public.needs.to.stay.involved.and.fulfill.responsibility. O

Get.out.of.Council.chambers.-.use.advisory.boards. O


#9 – What do officials misunderstand about engaging the citizens?


They.would.be.surprised.at.the.knowledge.that.can.be.provided.by.the.citizens.

Worry.about.political.backlash,.getting.criticized.

Perhaps.not.knowing.where.all.parts.of.the.community.go.to.get.information...We.need.to.provide.all.who.want.access.a.method.of.access.

That.a.citizen.has.a.right.to.voice.his/her.opinions.

Misread.public.anger.as.strong.rigid.positions.

That.elected.officials.have.limitations.on.their.authority.to.address.issues.and.that.government.staffs.are.empowered.to.change.laws.

They.overlook.how.much.the.citizens.know.and.how.much.they.will.do.if.asked.

They.forget.they.work.for.the.citizens.and.are.not.empowered...


I.believe.most.view.civic.engagement.as.a.“superficial.task”.rather.than.a.fundamental.relationship...They.also.do.not.grasp.what.true.civic.engagement.is.and.what.it.feels.like...“Hearing”.what.someone.has.to.say.is.far.different.than.engaging.them.in.constructive.dialogue.in.which.it.is.clear.that.each.party.is.seeking.an.effective.outcome.based.upon.all.the.views.and.ideas.in.the.room.

The.art.of.conversation...They.think.they.are.in.charge.

They.get.paranoid.that.input.is.an.attack...Circle.the.wagons.in.a.siege.mentality.

That.it.is.a.two-way.process.

I.think.they.are.afraid.of.the.public.or.discount.public.input.as.being.ill-informed.or.unreasonable.

In.general,.that.citizens.may.not.know.about.all.of.the.opportunities.to.serve.in.a.governmental.support.capacity.

How.to.handle.the.responses....How.to.tactfully.respond.to.exchanges.that.are.not.feasible.

Public.participation.is.only.a.block.to.be.checked.off...They.think.people.are.dumb.and.it.turns.off.participants.




It.is.hard.work.and.requires.trust.and.respect.

Government.will.get.more.participation.when.it.breaks.down.the.issues.to.the.immediate.neighborhood.or.area.of.interest.of.the.citizens...For.instance,.there.may.be.a.city-wide.problem,.but.unless.the.neighborhoods.see.how.it.applies.to.their.particular.section.there.is.less.likelihood.of.buy-in.

The.citizens.are.not.the.enemy,.they.are.our.employer.

They.tend.to.think.that.mostly.the.uncivil.and.ill-informed.participate.

It.depends.on.the.subject.

That.they.are.knowledgeable.but.don’t.understand.the.system.


They.tend.to.classify.and.patronize,.judge.the.book.by.its.cover...Need.to.get.to.know.each.other.

Regionalism.–.too.many.small.town.politicians.who.don’t.see.across.city.lines...Don’t.have.information.enough.to.understand...Mayors/Chairs.need.to.issue.information.about.decisions.

That.the.citizens.pay.the.bills.

That.they.need.to.not.only.express.their.ideas.but.be.prepared.to.have.a.discussion.regarding.the.merits.of.their.ideas.

Officials.do.not.misunderstand.“engaging”.citizens...Each.citizen.has.specific.demands.and.the.official.has.to.deal.with.each.of.them.since.the.citizens.believe.that.their.demand.is.the.only.demand.and.should.receive.priority.

There.are.internal.and.external.issues...Internal.issues.concern.the.confidence.and.competence.that.officials.have.for.how.to.properly.envision.and.then.conduct.such.engagements...There.are.so.many.stories.and.examples.of.bad.manners.on.both.sides.that.parties.often.have.no.confidence.that.real.communication.or.active.listening.will.occur...Expectations.are.often.unrealistic.or.worse.on.both.sides...Citizens.think.public.officials.should.take.orders.from.the.people...Public.officials.think.citizens.should.appreciate.how.hard.their.jobs.are.and.go.along.with.officialdom...Both.sides.often.lack.competence.and.confidence.which.intersects.in.negative,.unpredictable.ways.

�� The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.



That.they.need.to.be.active.in.their.participation...Can’t.expect.government.to.force.feed.them.information.

Feel.loss.of.personal.power;.think.it.is.a.waste.of.time.and.“no.good.can.come.of.it.”..Accept.“enough.input”.from.people.at.cocktail.parties.

I.don’t.think.they.care...Often.when.citizens.do.become.engaged,.it.is.in.opposition.to.the.government.

As.with.any.marketing,.it.takes.10.“asks”.to.get.the.first.response...Then.it.has.to.be.low.risk...No.one.wants.to.be.thought.of.as.a.fool...The.“rules”.for.public.announcements.are.generally.tied.to.the.traditional.printed.media...The.printed.media.is.dying...Public.officials.must.bring.their.organizations.into.today’s.communications.technologies.

Many.citizens.fail.to.realize.that.civic.engagement.is.bilateral.and.not.unilateral...As.for.local.government,.many.citizens.fail.to.understand.the.limitations.that.the.state.places.on.local.governments.

They.think.civic.engagement.means.their.opinion.should.prevail...They.either.resist.or.do.not.know.how.to.dialogue.and/or.work.through.difficult.issues.

Elected.officials.try.hard.to.make.people.happy...They.should.tell.them.to.read.up.and.get.informed...Politicians.are.not.honest.with.citizens.about.their.need.to.become.educated...

Too.many.ascribe.to.“not.invented.here.”..Humility.to.admit.others.have.valid.ideas.

Not.response.to.authority.but.a.willingness.to.listen.to.the.facts.before.spouting.opinion,.is.the.main.skill.that.citizens.need.to.bring.to.civic.engagement.

Underestimate.the.natural.cynicism.and.mistrust.of.the.public.–.it.is.natural...Lack.of.understanding.of.how.to.present.information.to.make.a.case.or.even.how.to.make.a.case...Example.cited.–.Oceanfront.-.the.reporting.is.all.positive,.can’t.be.believed.–.really.no.weaknesses?..Not.believable...Discussions.should.include.candor.-.that.would.inspire.more.trust...But.there.is.a.fear.that.information.will.be.used.against.them.

They.underestimate.their.responsibilities...They.have.an.obligation.to.understand.the.issues,.ask.the.right.questions.and.to.realize.the.best.solution.may.not.be.theirs.

I.often.think.some.organizations.simply.treat.hearings.and.meetings.as.a.process.they.must.go.through.but.don’t.actually.consider.the.input.

They.think.it.is.too.hard...They.think.it.is.not.cost-effective...They.think.the.public.lacks.knowledge.of.the.complex.details,.which.is.largely.accurate...They.don’t.think.they.can.change.currently.institutionalized.and.anachronistic.methods.




Government.misunderstands.its.capacity.to.engage.and.doesn’t.see.the.power.in.partnering...Lots.of.boards.are.just.“pap.”..Government.sees.citizens.as.2-year.olds.BUT.they.can.raise.them.to.adulthood...Councils.and.city.management.have.more.capacity.to.do.this.but.it.is.hard.work...It.is.easier.to.do.it.themselves,.they.think.citizens.only.motivated.along.Maslow’s.hierarchy...The.day.of.noblese.oblige.is.over,.now.see.a.level.of.engagement.that.is.hopeful....People.come.to.engagement.three.ways;.experience,.intellectual.reasons.or.“mother’s.mile”.–.it.is.in.their.system...On.transportation.people.think.they.don’t.have.anything.to.offer.except.their.experience.in.bad.traffic.

Citizens.must.go.beyond.voicing.opinion...Opinion.must.be.backed.by.understanding.of.tradeoffs...Do.we.want.to.be.larger,.for.instance?..If.not,.how.will.we.look.if.we.don’t.develop?

Some.officials.are.reluctant.to.engage.the.citizens...Sometimes.when.an.official.has.been.in.office.for.a.long.time,.they.may.begin.to.feel.that.their.judgment.no.longer.requires.input.from.the.citizenry...Those.that.do,.make.better.decisions.and.thus,.are.better.officials.

Government.doesn’t.really.misunderstand.how.to.engage.citizens...It.tries.to.find.ways.to.bring.issues.to.the.public.through.news.media,.Internet,.flyers,.forums.and.citizen.committees...

That.it’s.a.nuisance,.that.it.is.more.manageable.than.they.think...That.not.everyone.is.mad,.people.want.to.help.

They.take.for.granted.that.citizens.care...Citizens.don’t.take.advantage.of.the.opportunities.to.be.involved.

That.they.have.a.narrow.vision.of.understanding.....


# 10 – What do citizens misunderstand about civic engagement?

Elected Officials said:Just.how.important.their.voice.is.year.round.

Some.are.angry.in.general.and.take.it.out.at.public.forums...“Angry.few”.or.“vocal.minority”.get.attention.and.put.off.majority.

To.make.civic.engagement.valuable,.citizens.have.to.be.informed...Need.to.base.their.opinions.on.accurate.facts.

When.an.idea.is.floated,.it’s.a.done.deal...Actually,.issues.are.still.on.the.table...They.don’t.understand.the.process...There.are.lots.of.opportunities.to.give.input.

Trust.in.government.is.over-rated...Our.founding.fathers.did.not.trust.government.and.thus,.we.have.a.federal.government.with.checks.and.balances.

Why.they.need.to.participate.

That.they.need.to.participate.


The.most.common.misunderstanding.is.their.sense.that.civic.engagement.is.showing.up.at.a.meeting.and.expressing.their.own.opinions.about.an.issue.–.and.then.expecting.their.opinion.to.“win.the.day.”..If.it.does.not,.they.will.contend.that.their.opinions.were.ignored...The.appreciation.of.hearing.multiple.opinions,.discussing.options,.evaluating.options.and.then.reaching.a.preferred.outcome.is.increasingly.being.lost.

They.don’t.understand.the.law.

They.expect.to.be.heeded.–“do.what.I.say.”..Action.may.be.different.for.a.variety.of.reasons,.e.g..Dillon.Rule.

They.don’t.understand.their.role...Because.they.said.one.thing.and.it.wasn’t.done,.they.think.they.weren’t.heard.

Their.responsibility.to.be.informed.and.represent.a.broader.public.interest.

They.seem.to.want.to.insult.their.elected.officials.

That.many.opportunities.exist,.including.but.not.limited.to,.serving.on.boards.and.commissions...Another.opportunity.for.civic.engagement.which.a.citizen.might.not.deem.important.but.is.in.fact.quite.valuable,.is.constructive.input.in.the.form.of.letters,.phone.calls,.emails.and.other.correspondence.from.the.individual.to.government.




At.times,.engagement.is.about.idea.exchange.and.not.about.decision.making...Many.process.questions/realities.drive.decision.making.

Mainly.lack.of.understanding.of.the.public.planning.process..Don’t.understand.their.role...Use.meetings.for.gripes.instead.of.constructive.values,.potholes.instead.of.state.paving.budget.

It.is.hard.work.and.requires.trust.and.respect.

Citizens.think.and.feel.that.government.doesn’t.really.want.to.hear.from.them,.while.government.knows.and.feels.it.can’t.do.it.all.

Government.is.not.the.enemy;.it.is.the.citizens’.tool...It.is.the.citizens’.responsibility.ultimately...Citizens.have.the.ultimate.power,.people.in.government.know.that.and.fear.citizens...But.government.also.has.power.–.it.is.hard.to.fight.city.hall...The.power.equation.can.make.everyone.unhappy.

They.think.officials.are.untouchable.

They.don’t.understand.how.to.engage.public.issues.

The.difference.between.a.democracy.and.a.republic.


Undervalue.it...Don’t.appreciate.the.importance.

Their.voice.won’t.be.heard.or.count,.even.if.they.speak...If.one.group.is.outspoken,.others.feel.they.won’t.be.heard.

Public.officials.need.to.not.only.listen.to.the.public.but.make.it.known.when.they.are.moving.on.issues.in.keeping.with.the.public’s.input.

To.the.average.citizen,.“civic.engagement”.may.be.beyond.their.comprehension.and.their.understanding.

Citizens.think.public.officials.should.just.do.what.they.demand.and.have.trouble.seeking.common.ground.with.people.who.differ...Today,.there.is.often.a.misunderstanding.about.what.the.role.of.government.is...When.citizens.want.something,.they.think.government.should.be.able.to.do.anything...When.they.differ,.they.think.government.should.be.severely.limited.




They.don’t.understand.that.it.makes.a.difference.

More.communication,.especially.using.trusted.media.outlets.

Many.underestimate.their.influence;.many.misunderstand.and.think.that.throwing.stones.is.the.only.behavior.of.activists.

There’s.a.lot.of.apathy...The.belief.that.people.in.government.are.the.experts.and.we.just.have.to.go.along.

They.need.to.bring.energy.to.it.

Citizens.are.getting.used.to.being.“fed”.information.and.so.expect.to.be.involved.with.little.effort...Freedom.isn’t.free...We.must.participate.individually.

Education.for.both.the.citizens.and.the.governments.

Dedication.of.resources.and.regular.activities.that.involve.citizens.in.sharing.information,.seeking.input.and.collaborative.decision.making.

Their.role...They’re.not.decision.makers...There’s.too.much.selfishness...They.personalize.the.issues.

Perception.that.the.deal.is.done.with.input.wasted,.due.to.marketing.of.done.deals.

Exhortation.is.always.part.of.motivating.folks,.however.it.is.much.more.effective.simply.to.bring.people.together.to.discuss.and.hammer.out.a.solution.to.a.shared.problem...When.those.who.organize.and.lead.such.a.process.do.not.dominate.or.predetermine.the.outcome.and.everyone.gets.a.fair.opportunity.to.contribute,.a.successful.solution.to.the.problem.also.generates.mutual.respect.that.provides.a.basis.for.tackling.the.next.problem...There.are.many.specific.techniques.that.can.be.used,.but.it.is.simply.working.together.to.get.a.result.that.builds.trust.

They.don’t.know.where.to.start.or.who.to.go.to.–.they.just.don’t.know...And.they.don’t.realize.it’s.their.government..

A.lack.of.understanding.and.the.level.of.nuance.and.details...Need.to.compromise,.citizens.think.their.view.is.the.only.valid.view.and.if.the.officials.have.a.different.view,.they.have.caved.in.to.special.interest...Need.to.offer.alternative.solutions.

Improve.access.to.all.public.documents...Make.documents.and.FOIA’d.information.electronic.format.and.free.to.the.public...Get.public.involvement.at.concept.and.maintain.it.through.the.entire.process.

Just.because.you.express.an.opinion.does.not.mean.it.will.prevail.




At.this.point.…public.trust.has.been.breached.so.often.that.I.have.no.real.idea.of.how.to.improve.except.to.show.citizens.how.to.really.fight.city.hall.

Many.citizens.feel.that.their.involvement.won’t.make.a.difference,.so.why.bother?..Many.also.do.not.have.any.idea.how.to.engage.in.the.process.as.well.

There.is.the.risk.that.citizen.commentators.during.public.comment.periods.have.not.studied.the.topics.enough.to.be.effective...There.is.the.risk.that.some.public.commentators.take.advantage.of.any.opening.on.any.topic.to.advance.a.single.point.of.view.(for.example,.no.taxes),.a.course.of.action.that.tarnishes.all.other.civic.engagement.efforts...This.is.why.the.government.department.or.public.agency.needs.to.do.more.than.just.have.public.comment.periods.and.why.they.need.to.have.well-developed.and.formal.additional.mechanism.(advisory.committees,.a.well-announced.and.staffed.series.of.Town.Hall.meetings,.etc.).in.order.to.obtain.“considered”.and.“sifted”.inputs.as.opposed.to.just.“off-the-cuff”,.flippant.inputs.

Citizens.often.misunderstand.the.process.and.time.frames...Demands.for.immediate.action.and.then.disappointment.and.anger.because.needs.aren’t.instantly.met,.damage.further.cooperation.

Citizens.forget.that.taxes.aren’t.just.some.arbitrary.idea.of.government.but.go.to.provide.schools,.garbage.disposal,.police,.fire,.etc...Citizens.must.be.aware.of.“regionalism”.within.their.own.city...You.can’t.separate.the.Oceanfront.from.the.rest.of.the.city.or.the.port.or.the.historic.areas.

The.need.to.be.informed.on.the.pros.and.cons...Decisions.are.made.in.the.interest.of.the.majority.

Once.elected,.citizens.expect.accomplishments.......


#11 – What could be done to improve mutual trust?

Elected officials said:

Communication.

Total.transparency...Bare.everything.and.tell.the.truth...Don’t.make.it.a.shell.game.

Civility.in.discourse...Behavior.is.important...People.need.to.demonstrate.compassion,.integrity.and.understanding.of.the.facts...There.is.an.inherent.lack.of.trust.that.goes.back.to.Nixon...Accusations.not.based.on.fact.create.lack.of.trust.

Personal.contact.with.citizens.

Go.to.lots.of.meetings.to.answer.questions...Engage.in.conversation.to.help.people.understand...Being.transparent,.educational.and.listening.more.

Transparency.and.communication...Common.sense.

Encourage.more.public.comment.in.various.settings.


Increase.our.resources.for.leaders.and.citizens.to.enhance.their.knowledge.and.skills.surrounding.true.civic.engagement...In.addition,.we.need.to.just.get.out.there.and.do.more.–.relate.to.citizens.person-to-person.or.in.small.groups...Lastly,.leaders.need.to.embrace.the.process.and.support.it.

Work.on.removing.elements.of.distrust.

Civil.discourse,.use.honest.brokers,.e.g..League.of.Women.Voters.

More.opportunities.for.respectful.dialogue.on.issues.of.real.importance.

Heightened.communication.

Trust.is.sometimes.lost.when.the.public.feels.their.good.ideas.are.discarded.for.no.reason...Need.to.communicate.better.why.certain.decisions.have.to.be.made.certain.ways.

Open.door.policy.on.government.functions.

Admit.they.don’t.know...Tendency.to.jump.in.without.information.

Building.success.as.a.team.

Mutual.trust.comes.from.contact,.on-on-one.as.well.as.use.of.media...Don’t.talk.in.generalities.such.as.“we’re.all.in.this.together,”.be.specific.




Successful.application.of.civic.engagement.can.improve.mutual.trust.

Have.open.discussion.about.power.–.who.has.it,.how.it.moves,.how.to.get.it...Some.honesty...Marvelous.things.could.be.done.by.saying.“I.screwed.up.”..You.can.make.a.mistake.but.don’t.be.a.mistake...We.do.want.effectiveness.–.reasons.for.mistakes.matter.

Time.in.the.same.room.would.help.

Communications.

Willingness.to.understand.the.need.for.education.issues.


Be.more.selective.in.voting;.find.more.responsible.candidates.

Communication.and.dialogue...Listen.well.and.then.make.a.decision...Don’t.make.decisions.and.then.go.back.for.support.

Better.information.and.communication.

Elected.officials.need.to.learn.how.to.have.a.discussion.or.debate.with.the.citizens.in.open.forums.regarding.issues.

Acknowledgement.of.the.need.for.each.group’s.participation.in.the.governmental.process.

Use.tools.that.are.easy.for.the.masses.to.use.

Creating.conditions.and.activities.that.bring.government.and.citizens.together.to.discuss.and.decide.issues...The.acts.of.engagement.–when.done.authentically.on.both.sides.–build.relations.that.can.become.strong.and.predictable...There.is.also.often.new.value.added.to.solutions.when.the.process.has.been.broad-based.and.open.

Upgrade.ethics.for.conflict.of.interest...Get.rid.of.corruption...Public.outreach.–.more.fresh.faces.

If.the.leader.leads.with.integrity,.it.helps.a.lot.

Be.honest,.courteous,.interested.in.responses,.over.and.over.again...

Open.communication.is.the.key.to.all.trust.

Generally,.better.use.of.technology.and.the.Internet...For.regional.issues,.meetings.held.at.different.venues.throughout.the.region.




HRCCE.could.become.well-funded.and.establish.a.series.of.resources.dedicated.to.finding.and.sharing.information.and.expertise.for.citizens.to.engage...HRCCE.could.also.offer.training.for.governments.and.citizens.and.help.build.bridges.of.communication.and.decision.making.

Not.sure.that.the.tension.can.be.resolved...When.a.citizen.is.unhappy,.it.can.be.read.as.mistrust...Are.the.citizens.living.up.to.their.end?

Demonstration.of.flexibility,.acknowledge.past.failure.

From.surveys,.pick.some.issues.that.people.would.find.interesting.enough.to.work.on.and.that.appear.susceptible.to.some.sort.of.positive.outcome,.then.organize.some.facilitated.meetings.

Greater.openness....An.honest.report.card...Willingness.to.admit.past.mistakes,.say.you’re.sorry.or.at.least.acknowledge.that.with.the.benefit.of.hindsight,.things.could.have.been.done.differently...Treat.people.with.maturity.

Change.local.and.state.government/staff’s.mindset...Citizen.involvement.is.not.bad.and.needs.to.be.more.than.just.a.check.box.required.by.guidelines...Make.public.meeting.places.more.available...Hold.public.hearings.at.times.when.working.citizens.can.attend...Hold.public.meetings.as.close.to.the.area.of.concern.as.possible.

Generally,.trust.prevails.when.people.get.to.know.one.another.and.acknowledge.that.there.are.many.ways.to.address.an.issue...In.this.sense,.negotiation.and.compromise.are.the.preferred.means.to.settle.different.viewpoints...They.also.take.the.most.time.

There.needs.to.be.a.well-established.BASIS.for.this.public.engagement.process...The.government.department.or.public.agency.must.have.a.legitimate.(approved).policy.statement.or.vision.statement...It.must.have.a.legitimate.(approved).list.of.goals.and.objectives.that.are.listed.in.a.prioritized.or.weighted.way...Such.pronouncements.set.the.boundaries.for.discussion,.and.such.documentation.guides.the.entire.process.toward.being.one.that.produces.“objective-based”.decision,.or.at.least.decisions.that.are.70.percent.objective-based.and.only.30.percent.politically.driven,.rather.that.have.no.basis.or.boundaries.that.results.in.pure.politically-driven.decisions.or.decisions.that.flow.from.he.or.she.who.speaks.the.loudest...In.addition,.the.agencies.(1).need.to.reduce.the.role.of.lobbyists,.(2).they.need.to.depoliticize.the.topics,.and.(3).they.need.to.gain.the.trust.that.will.probably.accompany.objective-based.discussions.

Build.a.conception.of.we’re.all.here,.so.let’s.work.and.live.in.an.exciting.and.inviting.environment.while.infusing.the.population.with.ideas.that.this.is.never.ending,.this.is.what.life.is.all.about.

I.feel.the.government.could.do.more.to.improve.mutual.trust.by.informing.in.a.very.user.friendly.way,.the.citizenry.on.the.important.issues.of.the.day...An.informed.citizenry.is.crucial.to.garnering.trust...Government.cannot.depend.solely.on.the.media.to.inform,.it.must.take.steps.beyond.the.conventional.media.outlets.




Mutual.trust.will.always.be.difficult.as.long.as.citizens.are.consulted,.attend.and.express.themselves.without.ever.seeing.the.projects.come.to.fruition...Council.needs.to.support.staff.and.citizens...Five.to.eight.years.ago.there.was.skepticism.but.more.projects.with.citizen.input.were.started.and.continue.…Arctic.Baltic.drainage.projects,.neighborhood.parking.stickers.are.two.examples....

Openness,.share.how.it.works,.government.needs.to.be.upfront.with.citizens,.what.is.the.cost...We.need.some.opaqueness.

Communicate.

Trust.takes.time,.but.we.don’t.provide.more.time...People.are.used.to.instant.results.

Clear.communication.on.decisions.made...Feedback..


#12 - Have you received any training related to public involvement?

Our.interviews.showed.that.on.average,.48%.of.all.of.our.interviewees.report.that.they.have.received.some.type.of.training.that.they.consider.“public.involvement.training.”..The.specific.groups.were:....Appointed.Officials.at.56%..Other.Citizen.Leaders.at.46%Elected.Officials.at.38%

Many.respondents.just.answered.“yes”.or.“no.”..The.listing.of.comments.demonstrates.a.wide.interpretation.of.what.might.be.considered.public.involvement.training...The.term.is.actually.not.very.well-defined.

Interview Comments:

Yes.-.multiple.trainings...Conflict.Clinic.at.George.Mason.University,.Institute.for.Local..

.. Government,.Hampton.Neighborhood.College.School.of.hard.knocks...Civic.Leadership.Institute.and.Constitutional.Officer.training.

Yes,.Neighborhood.Master.Plan.involvement.

Experience.in.several.training.courses.

Yes...ICMA,.Senior.Executive.Institute.

Yes,.numerous.conference.sessions.

Yes,.and.actually.have.taught.it.on.the.undergraduate.and.graduate.level.to.hundreds.of..

.. college.students.and.civic.leaders.

Yes,.media.handling.in.the.Service.Yes...Civic.engagement.training.from.the.Perspectives.Group.

Yes,.in.my.MPA.program.we.addressed.these.issues.frequently,.and.in.additional.military..

.. and.civilian.business.training.sessions.I.have.had.additional.training.as.well.Yes,.lots...Kettering,.Peace.Corps.among.other.organizations.Yes,.I’ve.received.some.great.training.through.the.VB.Neighborhood.Institute,.Public...

.. Dialogue.sessions,.PTA,.DAR,.etc.My.training.in.public.involvement.has.been.cumulative.over.years.of.public.service...

There.have.been.specific.training.sessions.as.well.such.as.Harvard/Boston.seminar.on..

.....Management.for.Senior.Police.Officers.ICMA.and.VLGMA.and.SEI.do.a.pretty.good.job.


Regional Civic Engagement Report Card

Interview QuestionsAverage Regional Grade

#13.-.How.would.you.grade.your.community’s.overall.civic.engagement? C+

#14.-.How.would.you.grade.your.local.government’s.overall.civic.engagement? C+

#15.-.How.would.you.grade.overall.civic.engagement.in.regional.issues? D

#16.-.How.would.you.grade.private.businesses.in.overall.civic.engagement? C-

#17.-.How.would.you.grade.the.amount.of.effort.you.or.your.group.spends.in..............civic.engagement?

B

Summary

The.regional.civic.engagement.report.card.asked.interviewees.to.grade.their.localities.and.the.region.on.civic.engagement....The.results.of.all.of.those.interviewed.were.combined.and.averaged.to.produce.the.grades.reported.in.the.above.table.

The.Elected.and.Appointed.Officials.and.Other.Citizen.Leaders.gave.above.average.grades.to.civic.engagement.efforts.nearest.home.and.most.familiar...Those.were;.their.amount.of.individual.effort.spent.in.civic.engagement,.their.local.community’s.civic.engagement.and.their.local.government’s.civic.engagement.

They.gave.below.average.grades.to.the.two.more.distant.and.probably.harder.to.impact,.efforts;.civic.engagement.on.regional.issues.and.the.civic.engagement.efforts.of.private.businesses.


#18 - What do you think is the most important public issue for the region?

13.different.regional.issues.were.identified.as.being.the.“most.important”.to.Hampton.Roads...Of.these.13.issues,.3.issues.comprised.80%.of.the.total.(Transportation-44%,.Regionalism-19%,.Economy-18%)

Results.from.the.interviews.show.that.of.the.top.three.regional.issues,.the.economy.was.the.issue.most.cited.by.the.interviewed.Appointed.Officials...Slightly.more.than.half.of.the.Elected.Officials.interviewed.listed.regional.transportation.issues.as.the.most.important...Other.Citizen.Leaders.interviewed.were.also.interested.in.transportation.and.were.the.interview.group.most.concerned.about.“regionalism.”..In.the.comments,.regionalism.is.variously.described.as.regional.visioning,.regional.governance.and.regional.based.decision.making.


#19 - What do you see as the citizens’ role in this issue?

6.different.broad.roles.were.suggested.for.citizens.working.on.regional.issues....The.most.recommended.roles.were:..Citizens.Educating.Themselves.-.36%,.Participation.–.24%.and.Take.Action.–.16%.

”Better.Educating.Themselves”.was.the.role.most.offered.by.every.interview.group...Half.of.the.Elected.Officials.interviewed.suggested.that.citizens.need.to.become.more.familiar.with.regional.issues...Elected.Officials.were.the.only.group.to.not.recommend.the.“Creation.of.a.Regional.Advocacy.Group.”..The.only.interview.group.to.“Demand.Better.Civic.Engagement”.was.Other.Citizen.Leaders.

Batten Surveys Complete (56pgs)

Business

Transcript of Batten Surveys Complete (56pgs)