Being informed vital for community well-being

Being informed vital for community well-being

Written by John Garrett Tuesday, 07 February 2006

One of the highlights we enjoy each issue is what we call the “wow” factor.

The staff observes great things happening in our community and reports this information to our readers. From residential development to road construction, staying on top of the changes is fun for us.

Controversial items need to be reported also, to allow readers to become well-informed and influential in their cities’ development.

The building of a proposed sexually-oriented business near a neighborhood changes the environment of that area forever. Families interested in moving into nearby subdivisions now have reason to look elsewhere. Businesses of a family-friendly nature are not likely to lease in the new development.

We wondered how a business like this moves through the system so quietly and yet so legally?

One woman’s effort to stop the development is a remarkable attempt to make a difference. She sent letters to neighbors, called newspapers, TV and radio stations. She refused to settle for “there’s nothing more you can do.”

Individuals can unite people and demonstrate to city governments that its citizens do care. They can tell the community that they are concerned with its future.

These are exciting times to be living and working in our cities. It is more important than ever to be informed.

Here are some suggestions:

• Attend a few city council meetings. Round Rock’s are the second and fourth Thursdays of every month and Pflugerville’s are the second and fourth Tuesdays. Watching it on television just isn’t the same. You will learn how the city does business and they will see you are interested.

• Check the city Web sites regularly. Both cities have informative and useful sites.

• Vote. It is cliché but don’t complain if you don’t vote.

• Know your surroundings. If you live near any commercial or undeveloped property, check with the city or county to see what kinds of businesses or residences can be built there. Understand zoning.

The more we know about our own surroundings, and the more we are involved in the government process, the more likely we will be the ones with the information first.

John Garrett

Publisher