E-mail
PrintIt isn't exactly surprising that all four candidates running for a seat on the City Council said they would listen to the concerns of neighborhood associations.
After all, ignoring the opinions of association members would be ignoring the constituents who elected them, something no public official in their right mind would ever admit to doing. Listening to neighborhood associations is particularly important when council members are considering plans for new developments, Sixth Ward incumbent Barbara Hoppe told the Missourian.
Her opponent, Rod Robison, pointed out that while he's in support of working with neighborhood associations, they don't necessarily represent everyone in the neighborhood.
There are a plethora of reasons why citizens don't participate in neighborhood associations: Meetings may conflict with other activities, the time commitment may be too great, etc. Robison said he supports encouraging citizens to get more involved.
Second Ward candidate Jason Thornhill told the Missourian that he too thinks involvement is key, but it's up to the individual to get involved. "If you don't know what's happening, and you don't participate, you shouldn't complain about what's going on," Thornhill said.
Do you think the opinions of neighborhood associations are representative of the communities they represent and should weigh heavily into decisions made by the City Council?
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
City Council should indeed listen to all Neighborhood and Resident Associations in this city if they want to stay in office.
I agree Charles. As a past Neighborhood Association president, I take seriously the role that associations have and have visited with a few during my campaign. If elected, one of my goals is to work with every organized association in the second ward specifically to encourage implementation or increased involvement in Neighborhood Watch programs.
It is my belief that active neighborhood associations tend to create better managed, cleaner and safer streets within that neighborhood. Folks who care about where they live and take an active role make those neighborhoods better.
Jason Thornhill do you think all City Council Members should even be listening to their Micro Resident Associations with in the main established status quo bodies already established?
I know there are several Micro Resident Associations in this city that are feeling left out of the over all processes due to maybe City Council Members might not feel they are big enough nor important enough to matter yet in reality they are.
What are your thoughts on the Micro Resident Associations?