What does it take to get the residents of a community, village, or city involved in their local government? The answer in most cases is a crisis that enrages the residents. A crisis that is of such enormous proportions that no resident can ignore the consequences regardless of their political affiliation or like or dislike of the current elected administration. The disassembly of the Village of Minerva Park’s autonomous government and its residents being annexed within the surrounding City of Columbus could be such a crisis. While a few Minerva Park residents would perhaps embrace such an action, I believe the vast majority would object
Now that I have your attention, let me assure you that, as far as I know, there have been no such actions considered for our Village. However, would any of you idly stand by as such actions are discussed and set into motion? I doubt it. Then why is it that month after month, the residents of our Village have no interest in what our Village government is doing? What policies the Planning and Zoning Commission are considering, what legislation our Village Council is considering or passing, or the economic state of our Village? The last Budget Committee meeting held had only one resident show up. Where are the other 99.9 percent of residents? Do you really trust your government with that much power in that they will spend your tax dollars wisely? Normally only one or two residents come to Council meetings. What about legislation that your Village Council is passing on a monthly basis? Do you at least read the Villager? Statistics would indicate no, and that most residents toss the Villager into the forgotten mail pile.
I created this website a little more than a year ago as a communication medium for the residents. Over the past year I have had 9 residents (out of over 1200+) who have registered with the website so they can read and make comments in the forums. Of those 9 residents, only one Council member has registered (excluding myself), and no registered resident has posted to the forum section of the website. Just recently one resident did post a comment to my blog. I have no idea who visits this website but I do know this website contains up to date listings of legislation before Council, current financial reports, and other important documents involving the Village government that cannot be found anywhere else at this time.
One real crisis our Village is facing is a fiscal deficit of over $142,000 for fiscal year 2013. Despite several meetings, this large amount, 13 percent of the current budget, still looms over our Village. There have been suggestions as to what to cut, but it seems the administration does not want to seriously give up anything that would significantly reduce or eliminate this deficit. If you have any interest in the fiscal health of our Village, I ask, no beg you to come to the next Budget Committee meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on February 27, 2013. Council rules state that all residents are welcome to committee meetings, but residents comments are normally not permitted, so keep that in mind if you attend. All residents have the opportunity to deliver comments at the conclusion of the monthly Council meetings.
