Ethics, Policy, Citizen Advisory, Forum, Communication!

We are coming down the home stretch, we have blogged, we have listened, we have spoken, we have throw each other under the bus, we have agreed, we have disagreed, we have called each other names,  we have mocked, we have taken verbal jabs at each other, we have expressed our concerns and our dissatisfactions, we have Patch and Schwartz reported.  We have spoken of Ethic Boards, Policy Committees, Citizen Advisory Boards, Citizen Issue Forums, and Communication problems.

If you listen to the words that WE have spoken, if you have attended at least ONE of Patchogue 2012, Resident’s First or Nu Village meetings, forums, or fundraisers you have been hearing everyone saying the same thing. WE can not all be wrong and WE all see there are problems, so it is up to US to work together to fix them. Put the key in the ignition, turn on the motor, check your mirrors and put the pressure on the pedal. No matter what part of the Trilogy wins the race, we all still live here. It would benefit us to look toward the future and learn from the recent past events.

It would eliminate a lot of wonder if there were clearly defined rolls for the Trustees with a certain amount of required time being spent on Village business. Everyone that enters into the politics of our Village should have the knowledge, time, energy and desire to truly serve. Clearly define the objective of having a Trustee and guidelines for what is expected. The same for the Mayor’s position or any other appointed board positions. 

A lottery maybe isn’t the answer but a lottery of screened qualified people might be. An Ethics Board, a Policy Committee, a Citizen Advisory Board are all the same in many ways. The fundamental common thread is that the people obviously want to be more a part of what goes on in our Village. Of course all odd numbered groups made up of people that represent all aspects of the community should be given consideration. Send a letter of inquiry to the Village there are positions open for a new Ethics Board (2) and on the Mayor’s proposed Policy Committee (5).

I ask everyone who has willingly put a sign on their front lawn for any one of the three groups running to continue the passion WE have seen, at meetings, forums and fundraisers and work to establish the much needed improvement of the communication in our Village between the residents and our elected officials. My daddy used to say to me, "When I am working hard at something, I don't take the advice of people who are standing around with their hands in their pockets."  

WE the PEOPLE – are putting our trust in our leaders. Allow us to respect you and follow you. Do not let our children look up to or know a Baseball, Football or Basketball star more than they admire or know the people that run our Village. Children can’t vote today, but they are influenced by what they see and hear, which shapes the adults they become.