Concern for city issue? Time to get involved
In the last year or two, there have been many contentious meetings at the Fayetteville Planning Commission and City Council involving neighbors near proposed developments that are under review for rezoning or other changes. They all seem to be of great concern to the citizens in attendance. The citizens are often disappointed in the results. Since our governments are "of the people," why does this occur? What are the solutions?
Everyone needs a small lesson in governance. The mayor administers the city government and can initiate certain actions. But the legislative and policy-making body for our city is the City Council. It passes the "laws" as ordinances. It is the appellate body for actions of other parts of our city government, such as the appointed Planning Commission. The City Council members are elected "by the people."
With respect to development policy in or city, everyone should read the City Plan 2030. It is on the city website at http://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15302/City-Plan-2030-Full-Document?bidId=
It was passed by your City Council with input from all interested persons. Were you involved? Did you attend any of the many planning sessions? Did you discuss it with your ward representative? The 2030 Plan sets forth the criteria that guides the development process from review by the Planning Department to approval by the Planning Commission and approval as needed by the City Council.
That brings us to the election this Nov. 6. If you want input into city policy, you should take some initiative. Inform yourself on the candidates for the four ward races on the upcoming ballot. Ask the candidates about their views on issues of interest to you. Support the candidate that is closest to your perspectives. And stay involved after the election.
How long has it been since you have been to a city meeting other than to complain? Proactive involvement is needed to have city government reflect the views "of the people" instead of the desires of the few. Or those who benefit directly from the actions of the city government. A small example of citizen involvement is the current parking stakeholder sessions that have been reviewing parking standards for the entertainment district. There have been two meetings. City officials who administer the parking programs were present and about 10-12 citizens. Each session was about two hours with lots of discussion. When the results of the meetings are presented to City Council for approval, there will likely be some who will come to the meeting to complain about one or more of the changes. That is their right. But to be more effective, they should come to the public planning sessions. More public input sessions are at https://speakup.fayetteville-ar.gov.
Consider what you are interested in and take the time to acquaint yourself with the current governing rules in that area. Inquire as to what you can do as a citizen to become involved. If we all become "citizen-activists," perhaps our city government will become more "of the people, by the people and for the people."
Tom Overbey
Fayetteville
Commentary on 10/20/2018