Re: Councilman Johnson's Departure

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

Dear Gary:   Thanks a lot for your description of the local political 
scene -- it does help one to discern some of the dynamics here, which 
aren't a great deal different from other communities we've lived in. Let 
me add, tho, duirng four years' service on a county republican ex. 
committee in Michigan, our leadership, from the governor on down, 
discouraged us from trying to 'broaden the base', as the RP did very well 
with what it had (leaders like Romney and Milliken were moderate 
republicans and knew how to communicate about statewide needs and voter 
sentiment, which is not typical). But some of us who were more pro-active 
got turned off by the conservative attitude toward public education about 
the issues. Which brings me to this point:
    Community participation is essential to good, responsible government 
-- it always has been, but in the last 40-50 years, the impediments to 
broader participation have increased, with which we ought to deal if 
politically minded folks truly want to represent the whole electorate. 
Some impediments are --
      - rise in two-employee families w/less time for involvement (the 
'good' life requires more than one salary today)
      - rise in election costs due in part to media-time requirements 
(not so important at local level, but domination
             of political leadership at state and nat'l levels by 
'givers' filters down to the locals)
      - failure of campaign finance reforms time after time -- people get 
 turned off, as $ controls communication (not so in most other 
democracies -- in the U.K. you don't have to raise millions)
      - frequent gridlock in both state and federal legislatures,which 
depresses citizen interest
      -   "  avoidance by both parties in addressing many crucial issues 
facing the nation at all levels
      -  success of the 'good ole boy' syndrome in controlling management 
of resources in most institutions, from school districts to chambers of 
commerce to industry and of course to govt. services (there are studies 
on this, such as the failures of our legal profession to abide by their 
ethics; and in my 50 years + career I have witnessed the interplay of the 
syndrome time and again, and even published a book on the practices in a 
federal service agency -- Book People sells it -- take a look for 
yourself. I served in WW II defending my right to democratic 
decision-making)
   These and other depressing factors, including having to vote always on 
Tuesday (take out time from work or school -- in Europe they vote on Sat. 
or Sunday -- makes a lot of sense!), have eroded the electorate to where 
less than half even bother to participate in federal elections. What does 
this say about the national state of mind about politics? It says let's 
go for a Jesse Ventura rather than the good ole boys. That's a message, 
right? Perot got 20% with a poor campaign. It also says that at local 
levels "we can't be bothered" Of course, they're wrong-- it's their $ at 
risk)
    As for our city elections, the two forums were tightly managed 
time-wise, one being at an $8 lunch! (that's a laugh -- open forum for 
all citizens?). If you really want participation, open it up. Encourage 
the media to give space and time. Identify the issues clearly, openly. 
Tell people the consequences for the community of this policy or that 
choice.Instead of the city chamber, choose a big school auditorium. Local 
sovereignty over a host of resources and agencies is a reality, but few 
people are really aware. Personally, I cannot recall receiving any info. 
or reading or seeing anything where your party calling on me, a citizen, 
to get involved. It's kind of a low-key appeal, if there was one. I am 
very familiar with that posture. Please show me otherwise. Send me some 
stuff. Print ads.
    This dialogue is very good, as the future of the community -- OUR 
community, not only the politicians' -- depends on our level of education 
about the issues and how govt. can make a difference. Let's continue the 
exercise. Please allow me to share this with the list.  I am sorry that 
Roger Kendall is leaving, because he seems to understand this issue.  
And, I think this dialogue between us merits viewing by others on this 
list.
    Enjoy your Tnanksgiving Holiday weekend!  All the best, and thank 
you..   Ken Medlin

------------------------
William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com