Batten Surveys Complete (56pgs)

The Batten Surveys:
A Regional Civic Capital Assessment
2008-2009

The mission of the Center is to support sustainable deliberative democracy in
Hampton Roads and to connect public decision making with civil dialogue and the
informed judgment of the region’s citizens.

Board of Directors: Program Fellows:

Jim Babcock Joshua G. Behr
Chris Bonney Carolyn Caywood
Mary Bunting Barbara L. Clark
Minette Cooper Michael Dingerson
Louis Guy Kevin Fairley
Clyde Hoey, Ramesh Kapoor
Vice-Chairman and Treasurer Ed Maroney
Quentin Kidd Nicole Auer McGee
Henry Light Ken Wheeler
Jim Oliver, Chairman
Staff:
Bob O’Neill
Vivian Paige Betsy McBride, Executive Director
Anita Poston, Counsel Susan Sharp, Administrative Director
Suzanne Puryear, Secretary Todd Solomon, Program Director
Roger Richman
Web Master: Mike Rau
John Rowe
Graphic Design: Sue Curcio
Alvin Schexnider
Printing: Rocket Direct
Bert Schmidt
Ray Taylor
Sanford Wanner

Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement
5200 Hampton Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23508

Phone: 757.889.9359
www.hrcce.org

The Batten Surveys:
A Regional Civic Capital Assessment
2008-2009

The Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement
gives special thanks to Jane P. Batten for her
generous support of this project.

Report Contents Page

Civic Capital . ......................................................................................................................................................... i

Batten Survey Interviews ................................................................................................................................... 1

Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

#1. What are the rights and duties of citizens?............................................................................................. 4

#2. What should citizens be able to expect from government and
what should government be able to expect from citizens?................................................................. 9

#3. How close to reality are the answers to the questions above, and why?.......................................... 13

#4. What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance?.............................. 14

#5. When and where should citizens participate in public administration?............................................ 18

#6. How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage
and aid public participation?..................................................................................................................... 22

#7. What needs to be in place for this to happen?....................................................................................... 26

#8. What could be changed to increase or improve citizen participation?.............................................. 30

#9. What do officials misunderstand about engaging the citizens?.......................................................... 34

#10. What do citizens misunderstand about civic engagement?............................................................... 38

#11. What could be done to improve mutual trust? ................................................................................... 42

#12. Have you received any training related to public involvement? ...................................................... 46

#13-17. Regional Civic Engagement Report Card ......................................................................................... 47

#18. What do you think is the most important public issue for the region?........................................... 48

#19. What do you see as the citizens’ role in this issue?............................................................................. 49

All rights reserved for the interview results.

Regional Civic Capital Assessment

Extraordinary Value:
In.the.PricewaterhouseCoopers.report,.cities of the future – global competition,
local.leadership,.six.forms.of.“capital”.are.identified.as.“essential.assets”.for.the.
development.of.a.regional.strategic.agenda....

About.democratic.or.civic.capital,.the.report.says.the.requirement.for.government.
entities.is.“To.renew.the.interest.and.activity.of.their.citizens,...develop.ways.to.
make.themselves.more.accountable,.increase.the.transparency.of.their.decision.
making.and.engage.citizens.directly.in.the.creation.of.policies.and.decisions.”

Governance and Mutual Accountability:
The.term.“civic”.refers.to.the.duties.and.rights.of.citizens,.particularly.their.
involvement.in.actions.and.activities.that.support.a.sustainable.democracy...

If.one.accepts.the.premise.that.the.civic.engagement.linked.to.civic.capital.is.
of.value,.then.more.of.it.can.be.presumed.to.be.an.appropriate.regional.goal...
However,.civic.engagement.requires.the.involvement.of.two.sets.of.actors...
Citizens.must.accept.their.ultimate.responsibility.in.a.democratic.system.and.
public.officials,.elected.and.appointed,.must.also.accept.their.responsibilities.for.
public.processes.that.reflect.the.central.importance.of.citizen.participation....

There.must.be.a.shared.belief.that.citizens.can.be.co-producers.of.the.ideas.and.
strategies.that.define.the.future.of.their.communities...

Our Focus:
The.Hampton.Roads.Center.for.Civic.Engagement.is.responding.to.these.identified.
requirements.for.regional.advancement.by.beginning.with.an.assessment.of.the.
civic.capital.in.the.Hampton.Roads.region...To.begin.a.regional.conversation.about.
where.we.want.to.be.and.what.will.be.required;.we.start.with.where.we.are...In.
late.2008,.we.began.work.on.two.surveys.to.benchmark.the.civic.health.and.
capital.of.the.Hampton.Roads.region...The.first.is.a.less.formal.personal.interview.
survey.and.the.second,.a.statistically.valid.random.sample.telephone.survey,.
designed.and.completed.by.professionals.......

i

“..liberty.depends.on.sharing.in.self-government”.which.“requires.a.formative.politics,.
a.politics.that.cultivates.in.citizens.the.qualities.of.character.self-government.requires.”.
............(Michael.Sandel,.Democracy and Its Discontents)

Dear.Neighbors,.
we.
inders.of.how.much.we.o
.surrounded.by.the.rem
re
In.Hampton.Roads.we.a aid.that.
rnment...But.it.has.been.s
ossible.our.form.of.gove s,.we.have.rights.but.we.
to.those.who.have.made.p ork.of.citizens...As.citizen
e.do.the.w
we.are.not.citizens.until.w
also.have.duties...
ts.
tion:...“What.are.the.righ
s.start.with.a.large.ques
iew
The.Batten.Survey.Interv

...
and.duties.of.citizens?”..
.
rom.dying.for.the.country
s.for.a.citizen.can.range.f
The.obvious.list.of.dutie .must.be.
t.to.be.sustained,.citizens
.
s...But.for.self-governmen ip...
.turns.at.active.citizensh
to.not.running.red.light
.their.time.and.take.their
sues.of ns.are.
informed.on.the.public.is eadily.available.or.if.citize
formation.needed.is.not.r allenge.
.in
This.is.not.possible.if.the .means.we.come.at.the.ch
blic.decision.making...This .and.
,.encouragement,.training
not.welcomed.into.pu
nd.officials.need.coaxing
ens.a
from.two.sides...Both.citiz
new.experiences...
er?..We.don’t.think.so.
.high
Could.the.stakes.be.any
.
grand.
although.that.would.be.a.
ing.the.issue.of.the.day,.
This.isn’t.just.about.fix at.would.
e.community,.although.th
.
t.about.strengthening.th
outcome...This.isn’t.jus
lt...
also.be.an.important.resu
ple...Democracy.must.be.
.or.any.collection.of.peo
.us
Democracy.isn’t.owed.to d.and.protected.
.
ocracy.have.to.be.learne
he.habits.of.dem
practiced...T
al..
ore.than.merely.essenti
agement.of.citizens.is.no.m
The.eng
.

.
Betsy.McBride
. irector
President.and.Executive.D
.
or.Civic.Engagement
Hampton.Roads.Center.f
.

“Citizens.must.convey.facts.that.are.believable.and.in.conversations.that.are.
bigger.than.about.just.what.I.want.–.you.must.be.ready.to.say.‘here.is.what.I.
am.willing.to.do.’”.(Citizen Leader in interview)

“Government.works.best.when.it.is.informed...When.there.is.disconnect,.there.
is.dissatisfaction.”. (Elected Official in interview)

“Government.is.not.the.enemy;.it.is.the.citizens’.tool.”.
(Appointed Official in interview)

The Batten Survey Interviews
During.late.2008.and.early.2009,.Center.friends.and.board.members.conducted.
the.interviews.of.many.individuals.engaged.in.the.public.work.of.the.region,.either.as.
appointed.or.elected.officials.or.as.civic.leaders...Each.interview.included.the.same.
questions,.but.not.everyone.answered.every.question...

We are very appreciative of those who agreed to be interviewed. Each candid
interview yielded unique and useful insight. We have included all of the comments
but not for individual attribution.
A special thank you to the following individuals who generously provided their
time to conduct the interviews:

Jim Babcock
Chris Bonney
Minette Cooper
Louis Guy
Ellis Hinnant-Will
Clyde Hoey
Betsy McBride
Jim Oliver
Vivian Paige
Bert Schmidt

1
The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.

Summary: Plentiful Common Ground
Information and Communication
The.matched.set.–.the.citizens’.right.to.be.informed.and.the.duty.to.be.informed.echoed.
through.the.interviews.with.elected.and.appointed.officials.and.with.other.civic.leaders...A.
citizen.asked.to.be.trusted.with.good.and.bad.news.while.another.worried.that.bad.news.
might.be.used.irresponsibly.against.officials...Trust.and.the.sharing.of.information.were.linked.
by.many.interviewees....

All.groups.said.that.citizens.have.a.right.to.be.listened.to.and.also.be.accountable.for.using.
“facts”.and.providing.“honest.input.”..

There.was.not.any.mention.of.any.problem.from.getting.too.much.information.or.any.specifics.
about.information.gaps...All.forms.of.new.information.technology.were.suggested.as.promising.
tools.for.more.sharing.of.information....

Process
.All.interview.groups.said.they.expect.fair,.open,.transparent.and.accountable.government.
that.operates.with.integrity.and.competence...There.was.mention.that.training.to.increase.
competence.around.civic.engagement.processes.is.necessary.and.that.dedicated.resources.and.
public.involvement.policies.will.be.needed.to.increase.public.involvement....
.
Civic.engagement.around.the.big.strategic.decisions.was.called.for...An.elected.official.said.civic.
engagement.should.be.used.“often.and.continuously”.and.another.said.there.is.a.“need.to.get.
public.input.from.day.one.and.not.after.decisions.have.been.made.”......
.
The.duty.to.be.supportive.when.appropriate,.was.added.to.the.often-mentioned.duty.to.speak.
up...Civility.and.respect.were.called.for.along.with.greater.understanding.of.decision.making.
processes...All.of.the.groups.mentioned.the.misunderstandings.that.follow.the.unrealized.
expectation.that.citizen.input.always.changes.a.decision...Officials.and.citizens.said.they.
worried.about.the.distrust.that.comes.when.citizens.conclude.that.they.have.not.been.heard.
when.a.policy.decision.is.not.aligned.with.public.sentiment...More.than.one.interviewee.said.
that.more.communication.after.a.public.decision.would.increase.overall.public.understanding..

Those Engaged
.
An.appointed.official.said.that.what.is.needed.is.“Willing.citizens.and.open.government.”...A.
civic.leader.was.also.succinct.about.what.is.needed,.“First,.a.receptive.attitude;.if.that.does.not.
exist,.don’t.bother.with.the.rest.”

Trust
The.oft-repeated.cure.for.distrust.was.more.information,.more.communication.and.more.
work.together...In.other.words,.true.civic.engagement.with.good.information.and.timely.
communication.

.

2 The.Batten.Surveys:.A.Regional.Civic.Capital.Assessment.

Training
There.were.calls.for.training.for.civic.engagement.and.also.reports.of.receiving.training...
A.review.of.the.comments.describing.training.demonstrates.a.broad.interpretation.of.
what.is.considered.public.involvement.training.and.by.extension,.what.is.considered.to.
be.public.involvement........
..

Regional Civic Engagement Report Card
In.the.same.spirit.as.the.maxim.“all.politics.is.local,”.interviewees.gave.the.highest.
average.regional.grade.“B”.to.the.civic.engagement.efforts.of.their.own.groups...Effort.
more.removed,.i.e..“civic.engagement.in.regional.issues,”.received.the.lowest.grade.“D.”

What do you think is the most important public issue for the region?
Three.regional.issues.dominated.“the.most.important.public.issue”.list...They.were.
transportation,.regionalism.and.the.economy-.in.that.order...The.order.may.be.different.if.
the.interviews.were.redone.now...

Of.the.three.most.frequently.mentioned.regional.issues,.elected.officials.and.other.
citizen.leaders.ranked.transportation.highest.of.the.three...The.economy.was.the.highest.
ranked.of.the.three.top.issues.by.appointed.officials....Regionalism,.the.second.most.
frequently.mentioned.regional.issue.overall,.was.not.ranked.as.important.by.elected.
officials...

The Details
Read.the.comments.in.detail...They.contain.great.insight.....


#1 - What are the rights and duties of citizens?
Elected Officials said:
To.be.educated,.knowledgeable.and.responsible.

All.citizens.deserve.what.is.guaranteed.under.the.Constitution.–.safety,.freedom.
and.privacy...Duties;.participate,.vote,.communicate,.don’t.be.apathetic,.have.lots.of.
participation.from.the.public.and.faith-based.groups.

Rights.–.have.effective,.efficient,.responsible.and.responsive.government...Duties.–.
participate.in.assuring.this.will.happen.in.meaningful.and.informed.ways.

Rights.–.honest,.transparent.government;.safe.environment;.take.care.of.neediest;.vote...
Duties.–.be.informed.and.pay.attention,.offer.opinions.and.suggestions,.obey.laws,.vote.

The.rights.of.our.citizens.are.delineated.in.the.Constitution.of.the.U.S..and.the.various.
states...Rights.are.further.defined.in.laws,.codes.and.ordinances...Citizen.duties,.as.they.
pertain.to.their.rights,.are.to.stay.knowledgeable.of.government.actions,.develop.an.
understanding.of.these.actions,.support.the.rule.of.law.and.actively.seek.to.change.laws.
that.unduly.infringe.on.individual.constitutional.rights.

Participation.and.input.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.be.heard.and.to.expect.government.to.listen...Biggest.duty.of.the.
citizen.is.to.be.knowledgeable.on.issues.in.the.community.and.to.get.involved.

Appointed Officials said:
Citizens.have.both.a.“right”.and.a.“duty”.to.participate.in.the.partnership.that.is.
government.in.our.country...Citizens.can’t.sit.on.the.sidelines.and.presume.government.
will.do.things.the.way.they.want.them.done...They.have.to.be.willing.to.actively.participate.
(volunteer,.serve.on.boards.and.commissions,.come.to.meetings,.actively.learn.about.
issues,.vote,.etc.).in.order.to.execute.their.part.of.the.“partnership.”..Citizens.are.also.
responsible.for.how.they.engage.in.the.process.of.government.which.touches.on.issues.of.
how.“civil”.they.are,.to.the.amount.of.time.and.energy.they.invest.to.be.knowledgeable.
about.the.working.of.government.that.may.be.of.interest.to.them.

This.is.their.city,.we.are.their.employees!..Their.duties.are.to.be.engaged.in.our.
proceedings.

To.be.aware.and.to.participate,.at.all.levels,.see.that.elected.officials.hear.what.is.important..
.
Voting.alone.is.not.enough.

Rights.–.To.be.informed,.to.be.heard,.to.be.educated.on.the.issues,.to.know.what.is.
happening.and.the.right.to.ask.questions...Duties.–.To.hold.us.accountable...To.vote.with.
your.feet...To.question...To.always.be.out.there...Here.that.is.not.easy.–.with.our.tourism.
economy,..many.need.two.jobs...And.the.race.issue.is.alive.in.our.community,.some.people.
don’t.feel.heard.


Appointed Officials (continued):
To.pay.attention.to.their.government,.to.vote,.to.pay.their.taxes,.to.give.their.elected.
representatives.their.opinions.on.issues.that.concern.them.and.affect.their.well-being.

Citizens.have.a.“duty”.to.be.involved.in.order.to.keep.their.“rights.”

Although.eloquently.outlined.in.historical.documents.such.as.the.Bill.of.Rights.and.
the.Declaration.of.Independence,.the.rights.of.citizens.should.definitely.include.the.
ability.to.pursue.a.significant.livelihood.and.one’s.personal.happiness.without.fear.
of.persecution,.provided.one’s.own.pursuit.of.these.rights.does.not.hinder.others.or.
infringe.in.any.way.upon.another.citizen’s.rights...Among.the.most.important.duties.of.
a.citizen:.Pursue.positive.interaction.with.fellow.citizens.and.lend.one’s.talents.to.the.
community.for.the.good.of.all,.be.it.in.a.civic.or.governmental.volunteer.position.

To.participate,.to.communicate,.to.educate.themselves.on.the.issues.and.alternatives.

To.be.law.abiding.citizens.and.actively.participate.and.be.mindful.of.government.
functions...Also.be.active.in.civic.organizations.

Rights:..To.be.heard.with.fairness,.dignity.and.honesty...Duties:.To.be.informed.and.
engaged...System.works.ONLY.with.the.consent.of.the.governed.

To.be.actively.engaged.in.their.government.and.the.communities.where.they.live.

We’re.all.citizens,.therefore.the.rights.and.duties.need.to.be.transparently.understood.
by.all.of.us.

Right.to.be.invited.to.the.table...Right.to.be.informed...Information.needs.to.be.
readily.available.and.understandable...Duty.to.be.informed...Duty.to.be.involved.and.
participate.

To.take.citizenship.in.a.democratic.society.as.a.solemn.obligation.to.our.nation.

Duties.of.citizens.–.To.participate.in.the.political.process.–.voting,.learning.about.
candidates,.donate.-.in.other.works,.voting.plus...To.participate.in.the.judicial.process.
–.jury.duty,.you.should.also.know.about.the.court.system.and.how.it.works...Not.to.
stop.with.easy,.comfortable.answers.on.complicated.issues.like.global.warming...To.
participate.in.law.and.order.and.obey.it,.except.for.civil.disobedience...To.report.crime...
To.be.informed.about.public.policy.decisions,.to.keep.up.and.learn.in.depth...To.think.
critically.-.don’t.accept.party.lines...To.question.authority,.make.use.of.the.news.and.
gather.knowledge.for.on-going.use...To.know.your.municipal.government.structure.–.
who.does.what...Rights.of.citizens.–.to.be.let.alone.–.government.should.be.minimalist...
To.make.mistakes,.to.be.wrong.or.stupid...To.have.the.paths.of.mobility.open...To.
information.–.particularly.about.government.and.what’s.going.on...To.have.government.
be.my.information.gathering.agent...To.move.around,.to.travel...To.have.coverage.from.
the.Universal.Declaration.of.Human.Rights...To.raise.your.kids.


They.need.to.be.told.that.it.is.their.duty.to.participate...They.need.to.gain.knowledge.and.ask.
questions.on.issues...Citizens.should.participate.and.ask.questions.before.decisions.are.made.

Stay.informed.and.inform.the.elected.officials.of.their.opinions.

Other Citizen Leaders said:
Right.to.voice.opinions.affecting.themselves;.must.understand.rights.and.then.exercise.them.

Right.–.Involvement...Most.people.are.afraid.of.it...They.don’t.think.their.voice.counts...Duties.
–.Be.informed,.get.educated.but.not.to.the.point.of.distracting.others,.be.polite.and.civil.

Awareness.and.a.right.to.correct.information.

Their.rights.are.to.voice.their.opinions.and.participate.in.public.discussions...Their.duties.are.
to.gain.knowledge.and.express.their.opinions.to.those.in.a.position.to.make.decisions.

Citizens.have.a.duty.to.abide.by.the.laws.of.the.state...With.that.duty,.citizens.have.individual.
right.flowing.from.the.first.ten.amendments.to.the.Constitution.

Rights.–.numerous...Duties.–.to.be.informed.on.important.issues,.to.participate.in.the.
process.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.access.meetings.and.information.in.a.timely.way.prior.to.and.
after.decisions...They.have.a.duty.to.be.knowledgeable.and.informed.about.community.
and.regional.needs,.information.and.pending.issues...They.have.a.duty.to.be.active.and.
constructive.in.specific.community.endeavors.whether.it.is.helping.neighbors,.civic.leagues,.
churches,.government,.charities.or.some.such.

Duties:..Do.what.is.necessary.to.achieve.good.government...Rights:..Depend.on.collective.
action;.rights.can.be.lost..

To.care.for.each.other.and.speak.up.to.policy.makers;.advocates.for.themselves.

To.abide.by.laws,.to.work.to.change.unfair.or.inadequate.laws,.to.contribute.skills.to.
community.

Citizens’.rights.include.these:.the.right.to.have.government.respect.our.property;.the.right.to.
be.taxed.only.as.much.as.is.necessary.to.provide.the.minimum.government.needed;.the.right.
to.be.secure.in.our.homes;.the.right.to.have.adequate.choices.in.elections;.the.right.to.have.
confidence.in.our.government;.and.the.right.to.be.able.to.believe.what.our.government.tells.
us...Citizens’.duties.include.these:.the.duty.to.educate.oneself;.the.duty.to.provide.for.one’s.
family;.the.duty.to.plan.for.the.future;.the.duty.to.participate.in.government.by.speaking,.
writing.and.voting.


Other Citizen Leaders (continued):
To.have.an.active.role.in.our.government...To.know.what.is.going.on.and.participate.

Responsibility.for.a.working.model.for.government...Got.the.best.model.so.far,.but.demand.
mutual.respect.and.trust...We.are.all.stakeholders...The.role.of.the.individual.in.society.
–.separate.or.sharing...The.public.will.understand.the.global.perspective.on.which.the.region.
must.compete.

To.participate.in.the.government.process,.to.be.informed.of.the.issues.affecting.them....To.
vote.in.all.elections.

A.citizen.has.rights.guaranteed.by.the.Constitution...We.have.civil.rights,.rights.to.live.in.
a.safe.place,.to.be.educated.and.to.have.a.job...We.have.responsibilities.to.vote,.to.speak.
up.when.you.see.something.wrong,.to.participate.in.your.community.–.the.PTA,.your.civic.
league,.political.practices,.working.at.the.polls...Duties.–.Government.officials.are.to.make.
decisions.and.to.stand.up.and.lead.

Government’s..role.is.to.provide.good.public.system,.i.e..schools,.police,.waste.management,.
infrastructure...Citizens.should.understand.they.must.fulfill.their.roles.through.paying.
attention.to.rules.and.regulations.put.in.place.for.services.to.run.smoothly.(how.to.put.out.
one’s.garbage,.attending.their.schools’.functions,.obeying.stop.signs,.etc.).In.other.words,.
taxes.don’t.cover.everything.

The.rights.and.duties.of.citizens,.beyond.what.the.Constitution.provides,.are.in.the.eye.of.
the.beholder...If.civic.participation.is.to.be.considered.a.duty,.it.needs.to.be.taught...John.
Kennedy’s.famous.“Ask.not.what.your.country.can.do.for.you,.ask.what.you.can.do.for.your.
country”.was.a.call.for.a.generation.to.give.back.to.their.country...The.duties.of.the.citizen.
come.from.a.sense.of.purpose,.of.contribution.to.the.whole,.of.participating.in.something.
larger.than.oneself...This.sense.of.duty.is.something.that.cannot.be.legislated.or.mandated,.
but.must.come.from.within...It.must.be.handed.down.from.one.generation.to.the.next.

We.need.to.recognize.we.are.all.citizens.therefore;.we.need.to.inform.and.be.informed.

Among.the.most.important.duties.of.a.citizen:.pursue.positive.interaction.with.fellow.citizens.
and.lend.one’s.talents.to.the.community.for.the.good.of.all,.be.it.in.a.civic.or.governmental.
volunteer.position.

Our.rights.are.spelled.out.in.the.Bill.of.Rights.and.the.Constitution...We.have.an.obligation.as.
a.citizen.to.participate.in.the.affairs.of.the.community,.the.state.and.the.nation...That.means.
becoming.educated.on.the.issues.and.expressing.an.opinion.

Citizens.have.the.right.to.be.heard...Citizens.have.the.duty.to.speak.up,.if.they.desire.to.do...
To.trust.(or.hope).and.not.speak.up,.is.not.a.fault...


These.rights.are.embedded.with.one.another.and.hard.to.separate...They.inform.each.
other...You.have.the.rights.you.exercise...You.have.a.duty.to.exercise.them...You.have.a.
responsibility;.you.own.it,.whatever.it.is,.you.own.it...In.the.past.there.was.a.sense.of.
public.service,.it.is.diminished...We.have.reduced.our.expectations.and.their.performance...
It.became.a.tactic.to.diminish.regard.for.public.service....There.is.a.right.to.expect.the.
highest.level.of.performance,.of.competency...We.have.a.duty.to.demand.it.and.also.to.
recognize.it.when.it.exists...Symbols.matter...There.is.a.willingness.to.forgive,.maybe.we.
can.repair.and.mend.the.relationship...State.of.the.relation.now?..Because.of.the.financial.
problems,.we.might.now.find.we.need.each.other.and.that.we.have.more.in.common.than.
we.thought..

Citizens.have.a.right.to.good,.honest.government.and.to.a.government.that.is.responsive.
even.though.the.citizen.may.not.like.the.response...Citizens.have.a.right.to.know.what.their.
government.is.doing,.and.in.Virginia,.the.Freedom.of.Information.Act.greatly.facilitates.
this.right...The.exercise.of.a.good.citizenship.is.a.major.duty.of.all.citizens...A.significant.
component.of.good.citizenship.is.involvement.

Citizens.have.a.right.to.get.advance.information.and.a.chance.to.participate.in.important.
community.issues...They.have.a.duty.to.speak.up.on.anything.where.they.have.a.strong.
opinion.or.special.knowledge.

Right.of.citizens.to.have.transparency.in.government...Duty.of.citizens.to.be.well.informed,.
not.“bumper.sticker”.informed.

To.be.heard.and.considered,.since.they.are.paying!

Basic.human.rights.are.declared.in.the.preamble.to.the.Declaration.of.Independence.(life,.
liberty.and.the.pursuit.of.happiness).and.civil.rights.are.those.enumerated.in.the.Bill.of.
Rights.attached.to.the.U.S..Constitution,.as.amended.from.time.to.time.and.as.interpreted.
by.the.Supreme.Court.(the.most.fundamental.of.which.are.freedom.of.thought,.speech.
and.assembly)...In.recent.decades,.some.groups.have.asserted.specific.social.rights,.such.
as.the.right.to.have.a.job.or.an.education.or.health.care,.which.may.acquire.enough.
public.support.to.result.in.legislated.rights...Citizens’.fundamental.duties.include.voting,.
obeying.laws.and.serving.on.juries.and.commissions.and.in.the.military...One.can.add.
an.implied.duty.to.seek.enough.information.about.public.issues.and.the.performance.of.
elected.officials.to.be.able.to.express.informed.judgments.in.the.“Great.Conversation”.that.
sustains.a.democracy.

Right.to.open.access.to.information.on.a.timely.basis.–.government.probably.tries,.but.
things.move.slower.in.a.democracy...Right.to.have.public.leaders.make.their.case.and.be.
clear.about.their.preferences...Duties:..Duty.to.act.based.on.facts,.not.emotions...Duty.to.
really.hear.details.–.pros.and.cons...Duty.to.use.information...Duty.to.stand.up.in.support.
of.issues...Duty.to.hold.officials.accountable...Duty.to.be.reasonable.–.“don’t.ask.for.more.
roads.and.not.be.willing.to.pay.for.them.”


#2 – What should citizens be able to expect from
government and what should government expect from
citizens?
Citizens.should.allow.government.to.do.the.job.they.are.elected.to.do.and.provide.the.
services...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.participate.in.finding.the.answer.

Citizens.need.to.be.informed,.understand.government’s.functions.

Citizens.should.expect.openness,.honesty,.integrity,.management.of.the.public.trust.

Citizens.should.expect.transparency.on.all.issues.and.answers.to.their.inquiries.

Government.should.expect.to.listen.to.citizens.and.not.assume.they.are.empowered...
Government.should.look.to.citizens.for.information.and.for.citizens.to.get.involved.

Citizens.should.expect.core.services...Government.should.expect.the.citizen’s.willingness.
to.support.or.pay.for.core.services.

Citizens.should.expect.honest.and.good.information;.quality.services;.integrity.from.staff.
and.elected.officials...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.educate.themselves.on.issues.
and.understand.civic.engagement.processes.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.operate.in.a.fair.and.open.manner,.that.actions.will.
be.in.the.best.interest.of.the.entire.community.and.not.just.a.select.few,.that.actions.will.
be.based.on.fact.and.informed.judgment,.and.that.a.reasonable.effort.will.be.made.to.
provide.notice.of.a.pending.action...The.government.should.expect.its.citizens.to.provide.
input.to.pending.actions.and.to.abide.by.the.decision.once.established.

Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.make.decisions.in.the.best.interest.of.the.
citizens;.for.government.to.pursue.without.fail.the.well-being.of.the.community.and.
of.the.individual.citizen,.within.the.framework.set.forth.in.the.U.S..Constitution,.the.
Bill.of.Rights,.and.the.Declaration.of.Independence...Government.should.expect.its.
citizens.to.actively.engage.in.the.democratic.process,.offering.suggestions.for.improved.
governmental.operations.–and.serving.when.possible.on.citizen.boards.and.commissions.
which.can.encourage.and.promote.effective.government.

Citizens.should.expect.honesty,.integrity.and.competence...Government.should.expect.
civility.and.wisdom.from.citizens.

Open.and.unemotional.communication.

To.be.good.stewards.of.government.functions...Again,.citizens.should.abide.by.the.laws.of.
the.government.

9

#2 – What should citizens be able to expect from government and what should
government expect from citizens?

Citizens.should.expect.decisions.in.the.best.interest.of.the.citizens.and.to.be.treated.fairly.
and.equitably...Government.should.expect.honest.input.

Citizens.should.expect.from.government.good.public.purpose...Government.should.expect.
from.citizens.honest.reasoned.input.

Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.provide.a.healthy,.financial.and.safe.environment.
that.protects.public.resources...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.a.part.of.the.
solution.when.it.is.time.to.address.community.problems.and.build.the.bridges.that.support.
community.sustainability.

Citizens.should.expect.less.in.the.sense.that.government.is.not.“Daddy.”..Government.should.
expect.to.be.challenged.by.citizens.and.not.see.questions.and.opposition.as.threatening...We.
have.to.work.collectively.on.issues.and.problems,.not.just.hand.them.over.to.government.

Citizens.should.expect.open.and.transparent.government...Government.needs.to.value.public.
participation/involvement.

Government.should.expect.from.citizens.–.active.engagement.in.their.government...A.
willingness.to.listen,.but.not.to.trust...To.check.on.government.–.government.is.human...
Citizens.should.expect.from.government.–.transparency.and.that.government.will.screw.up...
To.get.honesty.and.a.structure.that.checks.on.government...Government.is.conducted.by.
humans.–.humans.fear.embarrassment,.they.make.mistakes.

Prudent.use.of.public.resources.to.serve.the.best.interests.of.the.communities...Dialogue.
about.areas.of.disagreement.with.their.government.

Citizens.should.expect.honesty,.integrity.and.competence...Government.should.expect.civility.
and.wisdom.

Government.exists.to.serve.the.people,.to.improve.their.welfare.and.happiness...

Citizens.have.a.right.to.expect.their.government.to.respond.to.their.phone.calls,.inquiries,.
visits,.etc...Citizens.should.expect.their.government.to.act.in.a.transparent.fashion...
Government.has.a.right.to.expect.its.citizens.to.stay.as.current.as.possible.on.the.issues.
facing.the.government...Government.also.has.a.right.to.expect.a.courteous.dialogue.with.its.
citizens..

Citizens.should.expect.from.government.accountability,.stability,.services.and.education...
Government.should.expect.from.citizens.taxes.and.accountability.



Citizens.have.a.right.to.believe.that.their.tax.dollars.are.being.used.efficiency,.that.their.
neighborhoods.are.safe.and.that.their.voices.are.listened.to.by.policy.makers...Government.
should.expect.that.people.should.pay.their.fair.share.for.things.like.roads.and.schools.and.
that.people.in.government.are.there.to.provide.public.service...

Citizens.should.expect.fair,.honest.and.unbiased.government...Government.should.expect.
responsible.participation.

Citizens.should.expect.to.be.part.of.the.process...Government.should.expect.people.to.be.
reachable.and.that.the.process.must.allow.time.to.reach.agreement.

Citizens.should.expect.mutual.respect.and.participation...Government.should.expect.ideas.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.be.fiscally.responsible.and.open.to.review...
Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.knowledgeable.

Citizens.should.expect.the.government.to.be.honest,.to.be.fiscally.responsible,.to.provide.for.
good.schools.and.to.have.the.vehicles.in.place.and.in.tune.to.hear.from.us...The.government.
should.expect.that.citizens.will.participate.in.the.process,.that.we.will.vote.and.express.
ourselves,.that.we.will.be.informed.and.know.about.the.world.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.be.open.and.objective...Government.should.expect.
citizens.to.be.engaged.

Citizens.expect.government.to.listen.to.and.reflect.our.interests.and.requests...Government.
should.not.only.listen,.but.give.out.information.and.data.only.it.can.know.before.citizens.
undertake.thoughtful.comments...Government.should.expect.many.different.opinions.and.
reactions.and.learn.to.sift.which.are.perceptions.which.require.clear.explanations.only,.
and.which.are.concerns.which.must.be.fleshed.out.fully...Government.must.also.fill.in.the.
large.service.areas.such.as.garbage.disposal,.public.safety,.public.health...These.are.not.well.
handled.by.small.initiatives.

Citizens.should.expect.the.Constitutional.guarantees.of.life,.liberty,.and.the.pursuit.of.
happiness...In.addition,.citizens.deserve.honest.and.open.government,.with.as.much.
explanation.for.government.actions.as.possible...Government.should.expect.citizens.to.be.
as.informed.as.possible,.be.law.abiding.and.if.they.so.choose,.participate.as.volunteers.or.
elected.officials.

Citizens.should.expect.open.and.interest.government.officials.and.processes...Government.
should.expect.citizens.to.speak.up.and.help.their.communities.

11



Citizens.should.be.able.to.expect.efficient.services,.and.services.that.they.need...
Government.should.be.able.to.expect.the.citizens.to.understand.that.government.serves.
everyone,.not.just.the.individual...Cited.example.of.retirees.not.supporting.school.taxes.

Communication.between.citizens.and.government.

Fairness,.rules.apply.to.both.sides...Truthfulness;.govern.with.integrity.

From.government.–.emergency.services.for.region.over.local.lines...From.citizens.
–.involvement,.participation,.advice.

Citizens.should.expect.government.to.listen.to.and.consider.their.ideas.while.the.
government.should.expect.the.citizens.to.monitor.their.actions.and.participate.(when.
requested).in.finding.solutions.to.critical.issues.

Citizens.and.government.need.to.view.“regional”.in.an.historical.sense...Cape.Henry,.
Williamsburg,.Hampton.are.a.living.part.of.who.we.are...Citizens.have.to.show.up.
when.there.are.opportunities.to.participate...Government.must.provide.safe.adequate.
infrastructure,.i.e..roads,.police,.etc...At.the.same.time,.government.should.be.policy.
driven...Government.should.have.a.plan.for.land.use,.safety...City.should.provide.a.vision.
and.strategic.plans.need.to.be.implemented...Virginia.Beach,.for.example,.is.a.young.city.
struggling.to.build.a.vision.

Government.should.act.in.the.public.interest,.which.is.what.a.leader.would.do.if.he.saw.
clearly,.thought.rationally.and.acted.dispassionately...If.elected.leaders.pursue.the.public.
interest,.citizens.should.support.those.leaders.who.are.dedicated.to.the.public.interest...
If.they.don’t,.throw.the.rascals.out.

Citizens.should.expect.(1).integrity,.and.(2).serious.attention,.and.study.on.those.subjects.
for.which.lawmakers.make.their.decisions...Government.should.expect.(1).response.from.
the.public,.(2).the.possibility.that.new.and.creative.ideas.may.be.generated.by.and.at.the.
citizen.level,.(3).inputs.of.reasonable.quality.as.opposed.to.flippant.inputs,.and.(4).that.it.
will.have.to.differentiate.between.inputs.that.are.genuinely.civic-minded.and.those.that.
are.advanced.by.lobbyists.and.special.interests.

Citizens.look.to.government.mainly.for.physical.security.(national.defense,.police).
and.justice...In.modern.times,.most.citizens.also.demand.government.to.intervene.to.
support.the.economy,.regulate.commerce,.invest.in.public.works,.and.provide.numerous.
other.services.(though.the.extent.of.such.functions.provides.the.content.for.political.
debate).–.all.delivered.fairly.and.without.corruption...Willingness.to.be.taxed.is.the.
principal.necessity.for.government.to.perform.to.expectations...Government.also.needs.
participation.of.citizens.on.advisory.bodies.and.juries.and.for.military.service.


# 3 - How close to reality are the answers to the questions
above, and why?
The.first.two.interview.questions.
asked.about.rights,.duties.and.mutual.
expectations...This.question.asked.how.
close.to.their.described.ideal.is.the.
present.reality.

72%.of.those.interviewed.stated.
that.today’s.reality.is.not.close.to.
the.ideal.state.when.compared.to.
their.descriptions.of.what.should.be.
the.mutual.expectations.of.citizens.and.
government.

The following are a few examples of answers provided by those who thought reality is not close:

• Today's.reality.does.not.approach.the.quot;percentage.of.realityquot;.that.is.needed.for.local.
governments.to.be.quot;high.performingquot;.organizations...Part.of.the.challenge.lies.with.local.
government.in.finding.new.ways.to.engage.our.citizens...Many.of.the.quot;oldquot;.models.like.
traditional.quot;town.hall.meetingsquot;.simply.don't.work.as.well.any.more...Today's.citizens.expect.
information.and.dialogues.to.be.readily.accessible.at.their.fingertips.at.a.time.and.place.
convenient.to.them...So.there.are.challenges.on.both.sides.of.this.equation.
• Citizens’.lives.are.busy.and.often.selfish---as.well.as.full.of.distrust.about.government...
Government.is.pressed,.short.on.resources.(to.include.civic.engagement.competencies).and.
often.overwhelmed.with.complexity.and.ill-informed.stakeholders,.to.include.government.
officials.(both.elected.and.staff).
• Not.even.close.–.too.much.distrust...Leads.to.apathy...Perception.of.influence.by.special.
interests.
• Lack.of.trust.by.both.groups.and.minimal.public.engagement.in.the.early.stages...Citizens.
spend.all.their.time.fighting.issues.when.we.should.spend.all.our.time.helping.come.up.with.
the.best.solutions.

The following are a few examples of answers provided by those who thought reality is close:

• Compared.to.most.of.the.planet,.we.are.close.to.these.expectations.because.of.our.deeply.
held.common.values.and.heritage.
• Somewhat.close...I.believe.that.current.laws.make.it.difficult.to.circumvent.open.government..
.
However,.I.believe.citizens.are.too.trusting.of.government.
• I.believe.the.elected.officials.make.an.effort.to.know.the.citizens’.positions
.
• Local.government.goes.above.and.beyond.what.is.required...Citizens.-.some.don't.vote,.break.
laws...Not.100%.possible,.but.most.are.civil.and.law.abiding.and.care.

13

#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-
day business of governance? (not government)
Become.involved...Ask.for.opportunities.to.serve.on.commissions.

They.are.needed.as.watchdogs.and.should.demand.accountability.

Feedback.from.citizens.as.long.as.they.are.informed...Be.on.commissions,.attend.forums,.
and.access.Web.site.

Watch.City.Council.cable.channel.for.all.updates.and.votes.

Pay.attention.to.neighborhood.and.neighbors...Local.government.functions.best.with.eyes.
and.ears.and.neighborliness.

Not.much.and.I.wouldn’t.expect.them.to.

They.need.to.explain.what.they.want.

They.should.provide.information,.be.aware.of.what.the.issues.are.and.voice.their.opinions.

Citizens.should.be.regularly.engaged.in.dialogue.and.discussion.surrounding.important.
issues...Local.government.needs.to.have.a.constant.and.reliable.source.of.grassroots.
feedback.in.order.to.truly.be.successful...Too.often,.citizen.engagement.only.occurs.in.
those.instances.in.which.the.citizen.is.personally.impacted.in.a.negative.way.

Talk.about.the.issues.with.city.employees.

Not.very.much...Keep.issues.in.front.of.us...Tell.us.right.or.wrong.

Provide.input.to.elected.and.appointed.officials.on.governance.issues.

To.express.their.service.needs.or.opinions.on.what.can.be.improved.

Most.of.the.time,.citizens.and.the.city.start.down.a.path,.do.some.pretty.good.things.and.
then.one.or.both.let.it.slide.and.do.not.stick.with.it.

Citizens.can.exercise.their.right.to.vote.in.local,.state.and.federal.election,.they.can.serve.
on.boards.and.commissions.which.work.closely.with.governmental.bodies.and.they.can.
offer.constructive.criticism.for.improved.governmental.operations.

Let.their.views.be.known...Not.good.to.operate.in.a.vacuum.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance? (not
government)

Day-to-day.business.should.be.the.responsibility.of.employees.hired.to.perform.such.functions.

Help.shape.broad.public.policy.by.input.and.participation.

Citizens.should.once.again.volunteer.to.serve.on.committees.and.boards.and.act.as.liaisons.
between.the.governance.structure.that.plays.a.role.in.shaping.policies.and.programs.

Citizens.need.to.participate.in.ways.beyond.just.paying.taxes.

To.provide.feedback.

They.should.stay.reasonably.informed,.offer.advice.if.they.have.it,.volunteer.in.some.way.and.
vote.

Be.aware.and.volunteer.

Say.informed.on.issues.and.communicate.with.elected.officials...

Be.informed,.education.is.the.key.

Serving.on.advisory.boards.and.commissions.

The.citizens.should.not.try.to.micro-manage.the.government.

They.should.express.their.ideas.at.council.meetings.and.work.in.forums.to.provide.advice.and.
counsel.to.those.who.govern.

Be.vigilant.in.assuring.that.the.laws,.rules.and.regulations.are.carried.out.

Go.to.public.hearings.

Citizens.should.essentially.“delegate”.their.confidence.to.government.for.regular.services.AFTER.
governments.make.available.good.and.timely.information.about.the.policies,.procedures.and.
programs.that.govern.the.localities’.services...Citizens.have.a.responsibility.to.pro-actively.learn.
about.the.services.and.published.expectations...Citizens.should.then.essentially.operate.as.
partners.–.providing.comments.to.government.when.the.services.are.not.delivered.properly,.etc.

Citizens.should.be.judicious.in.involvement.and.let.people.do.their.jobs,.supported.when.right.and.
not.lambasted.

15

#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance?
(not government)

Not.quite.clear.on.the.question...Like.participation.in.town.halls?

Reading.newspaper.accounts.of.what.is.actually.being.done...Keep.a.critical.watch.over.
the.governmental.activities.

Again,.education.is.the.key...That.requires.time,.so.citizens.must.devote.some.
minimum.level.of.time.to.attend.to.what.is.happening.in.their.communities.

Citizens.should.take.the.time.to.become.informed...Even.though.most.everyone.
has.taken.at.least.one.government.class.in.school,.most.citizens.do.not.know.or.
understand.the.day-to-day.business.of.governance...Citizens.must.take.the.opportunity.
(make.time).to.educate.themselves.on.the.day-to-day.business.of.governance.

They.can.be.“eyes.and.ears”.for.what.is.done.right.and.wrong.with.day-to-day.business.
and.they.can.participate.in.the.important.processes.–.budget,.planning,.etc.

Citizens.elect.people.to.make.decisions...But.many.citizens.think.that.they.can.direct.
the.details.of.government...The.system.doesn’t.provide.for.detailed.management.
of.government...As.an.example,.we.vote.on.school.board.members,.who.will.direct.
curriculum...Citizens.don’t.lay.out.the.details.of.curriculum.

Step.forward.–.public.feedback.

In.one.sense,.not.much,.given.the.multifarious.ways.we.now.expect.government.at.
all.levels.to.be.involved.with.everything...But,.in.general,.a.responsible.citizen.will.
keep.abreast.of.the.main.public.issues.of.the.day.through.perusing.newspaper,.TV,.
magazines,.the.Internet.and.by.gossiping.with.neighbors.and.fellow.workers...Then,.the.
concerned.citizen.will.speak.up.when.it.appears.necessary.to.“explain”.something.to.an.
elected.official.or.bureaucrat.

There.needs.to.be.more.of.a.role,.accountability.is.at.stake...There.is.not.enough.
diversity.on.advisory.boards,.government.needs.larger.pools.to.draw.and.appoint.
from...Could.use.something.as.simple.as.focus.groups...Citizens.must.be.involved.in.the.
strategic.planning.for.the.overall.vision.

Know.what.issues.impact.your.community...Understand.the.issues,.know.the.best.way.
to.contact.your.government,.attempt.to.reduce.work.instead.of.adding.work,.provide.
quality.input.at.the.right.time,.as.the.right.questions.without.causing.conflict.

Advise.elected.officials,.attend.public.meetings.and.hearings,.keep.elected.officials.
informed,.form.associations.of.like-minded.individuals.to.amplify.one’s.opinion,.rally.
and.demonstrate.if.necessary.


#4 – What role can/should citizens play in the day-to-day business of governance?
(not government)

Citizens,.those.desiring.and.able.to.do.so,.can.and.should.monitor.the.progress.of.
programs.and.study.the.issues...Citizens.should.play.little.or.no.role.in.the.day-to-day.
operations.of.public.agencies.or.government.departments.

Citizens.can.state.what.is.bothering.them.whether.that.is.potholes.or.bullying.in.schools...
Then,.the.infrastructure.for.carrying.complaints.beyond.complaining.must.be.in.place.
and.there.must.be.a.sense.that.we’re.all.in.this.together.

I.believe.the.average.citizen.has.enormous.powers.to.affect.the.business.of.governance...
As.a.former.elected.official,.I.have.seen.firsthand.what.can.be.accomplished.when.
citizens.engage.is.issues.of.importance.to.them.

One.way.citizens.become.involved.in.governance.not.government,.is.stepping.in.where.
the.city.fails.to.act...For.instance,.the.historic.VB.house.properties.required.a.few.
committed.citizens.to.form.a.group.in.the.1980s.which.has.guided.the.vision.on.their.
value.to.the.City...The.group.moved.on.to.work.with.City.staff.and.although.preservation.
remains.contentious.and.has.become.politicized,.it.still.is.a.good.example.of.the.
necessity.for.citizen.governance.

To.sometimes.offer.themselves.up.for.office.

Be.involved.and.keep.knowledgeable.of.the.issues...Participate.in.the.process.

Responsibility.–.recognize.their.role.and.take.it.

They.should.vote.and.know.what.is.going.on...They.should.speak.up.on.issues.and.be.
pro-active.

.

17

#5 - When and where should citizens participate in public
administration?
In.response.to.“when”.citizens.should.participate,.“early.in.the.process”.was.a.very.common.theme...In.
response.to.“where”.citizens.should.participate,.public.hearings.and.boards.and.commissions.topped.
the.list...The.following.lists.provide.the.most.mentioned.responses.

When Where
Public.meetings,.hearings,.council.meetings,..town.
As.policy.is.being.developed
halls,.committee.meetings
Serve.on.boards,.commissions,.committees,.and.task.
During.the.planning.process forces

As.early.as.possible Talk.with.elected.officials
Civic.and.neighborhood.group.functions
During.the.concept.period
Use.existing.participation.structures.(comment.
During.the.budget.process periods,.board.reviews)

Anytime.they.are.asked Write.letters.to.the.newspaper.editor

E=Elected Official A=Appointed Official O=Other Citizen Leader

Citizens.can.participate.in.two.primary.ways...First,.they.can.volunteer.their.expertise.
and.serve.on.formal.or.ad-hoc..boards,.commissions.and.committees.that.advise.the.
local.government.administration.on.issues.and.policies...Second,.they.can.participate.in.
A
a.more.“organic”.grass.roots.fashion.to.provide.input.and.advice.into.the.workings.of.
local.government...I.don’t.see.a.significant.role.in.actual.administration.beyond.these.
types.of.activities.
A
Neighborhood.Office,.serve.on.committees,.speak.at.public.hearings.
A
Talk.to.staff.(educate).before.going.to.elected.officials...Use.the.committee.structure.
We.have.a.training.academy.and.tell.citizens.they.can.call.directly...Staff.is.always.asking,.
A
telling.and.talking.to.people...We.share.phone.numbers.and.Neighborhood.Connections.
will.run.interference.for.citizens.and.believe.that.citizens.do.have.a.role.
A
At.public.hearings,.public.meetings.and.op-ed.responses.
A
It.is.disappointing.that.people.do.not.come.to.City.Council.meetings..
A
An.individual.choice.for.each.citizen.
A
Where.ever.their.comfort.zone.allows,.formal.or.informal.

A
During.the.planning.process.

Role.in.questioning.long.standing.policies.“We’ve.always.done.it.this.way.”.Question.is.
A
“why?”
A
Boards.and.committees.


#5 - When and where should citizens participate in public administration?
Citizens.need.to.have.avenues.which.allow.participation.as.issues.and.problems.and.
A
expenditures.are.planned.
Citizens’.values.should.be.reflected.in.public.policy.decisions.but.without.violating.
the.consciousness.of.minorities...Citizens.should.not.be.expected.to.become.experts...
A
And.clearly,.when.directly.affected.–.like.with.land.use.decisions.or.when.things.have.
long-term.implications.
A
Boards,.commissions,.city.meetings,.public.hearings.
A
Access.elected.and.appointed.officials.and.at.public.hearings.

E
Show.up.at.meetings.and.talk.with.elected.officials.before.issues.are.studied.

E
Apply.for.appointments,.if.interested...Input.is.needed...Voting.

E
Chat.with.their.elected.representatives.

Public.hearings.for.the.planning.commission.and.city.council,.boards.and.
E
commissions,.volunteerism,.neighborhood.councils.
Through.board.and.commissions.as.needed.by.the.government...Parks.and.Rec,.
E
Storm.Water.Management,.Planning.Commission,.Economic.Development.and.the.
Library.are.some.that.come.to.mind.
E
Public.forums,.committees.and.hearings.
E
Boards.and.commissions.and.public.hearings.
Individuals:.assess.what.is.happening.–.speak.up...Groups.–.powerful.tool,.
O
organize.to.be.heard.
O
Not.behind.closed.doors.or.as.decisions.are.made.
O
Public.hearings,.boards.and.commissions,.public.programs.
O
At.council.meetings,.study.sessions,.at.hearings.and.commission.meetings.
O
In.all.government.commissions,.boards.at.all.levels.

O
Volunteer.for.boards,.etc.

Citizens.should.participate.actively.as.policy.decisions.are.developed.and/or.reviewed.
for.modification...They.should.also.participate.in.those.services.that.are.essentially.
co-produced---say.community.policing.(neighborhood.watch,.etc)...Citizens.should.
feel.free.to.suggest.when.and.where.services.should.be.a.partnership.with.the.
O
community...And.they.should.certainly.participate.in.workshops,.hearings.or.other.
forums.where.programs.and.budgets.are.discussed.and/or.decided...Governments.
want.responsible.citizen.involvement.and.will.actually.add.more.participation.on.a.
voluntary.basis.when.it.is.enjoyed.and.performed.responsibly...“You.can’t.fight.city.
hall”.is.wrong-headed...It.takes.very.few.people.to.change.the.direction.of.city.hall.

19


O
As.customers,.they.have.a.right.and.duty.to.speak.freely.if.not.being.served.
O
Advisory.groups,.neighborhood.improvement/civic.groups,.churches.
Volunteer.for.boards.and.commissions,.attend.public.hearings,.participate.in.civic.
O
leagues.and.other.available.groups.
Citizens. should. be. willing. to. provide. comments,. positive. and. negative,. to. those. who.
O
administer. their. governments.. . Be. willing. to. attend. public. hearings. and. speak. out. on.
issues.
The.short.answer.is.daily.and.at.whatever.venue.is.offered...If.they.do.participate,.then.
O
most.citizens.wait.until.a.public.hearing.in.city.hall.on.a.matter....This.is.not.exercising.
good.citizenship.
Anytime.they.see.something.good.or.bad,.anytime.they.have.a.suggestion.for.improvement.
O
and.each.time.there.is.a.budget.or.planning.opportunity.
O
Look.for.waste...Cancel.funds.for.programs.proven.to.fail.
As.indicated.above,.they.should.be.willing.to.set.aside.personal.commitments.to.serve.
formally.on.juries,.commissions.and.in.the.military...They.should.also.be.willing.to.attend.
O
and.speak.at.hearings.or.other.types.of.opportunities.to.provide.“guidance”—whether.
or.not.sought.
There. should. be. small. cooperative. groups. given. specific. tasks. –. in. the. spirit. of. the.
O
volunteer.office...Use.citizens.in.brainstorming.–.“none.of.us.is.as.smart.as.all.of.us.”. .
Sometimes,.the.bureaucracy.negatively.impacts.relations.
When?. . As. early. as. possible,. preferably. at. the. concept. stage.. . Where?. . . Town. Hall.
O
meetings,.committee.meetings,.civic.meetings,.public.forums..
Generally,. I. support. a. professional. civil. service.. . Opportunities. to. serve. on. boards,.
O
commissions,.committees,.and.task.forces.are.excellent.means.to.provide.rational.and.
objective.input.
Citizens,.those.desiring.and.able.to.do.so,.should.respond.to.any.and.all.public.notice.
requests. for. public. inputs;. should. take. advantage. of. agency. or. public. hearing. public.
O
comment.periods;.should.produce.studied.papers.or.OpEds.on.selected.subjects;.and.
should.participate.in.or.monitor,.public.agency.board.meetings.or.other.events.
Boards.and.commissions,.neighborhood.groups.such.as.civic.leagues.can.be.very.effective.
O
when.trained.
Citizens.should.participate.in.public.administration.in.areas.they.have.passion.or.expertise..
.
O
My.experience.is.with.local.government.and.there.are.numerous.boards,.commissions.
and.other.efforts.that.constantly.need.the.involvement.of.the.citizens.
The.average.citizen.doesn’t.take.advantage.of.the.many.ways.he.can.be.involved...Every.
project.(or.most).has.times.for.citizen.input.or.uses.citizen.advisory.committees.to.help.
O
guide.the.process...VB.Middle.School.is.a.good.example.and.31st.Street.is.an.example.of.
how.not.to.engage.the.public.



O
On.committees,.communicating.with.elected.officials,.speaking.at.a.public.hearing.

Passing.buck...You.would.hope.there.would.be.a.channel.for.participation...Takes.a.long.
O
time.to.get.to.the.table.with.action.from.suggestions.

O
Boards.and.commissions...Attend.hearings.

21

#6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments
encourage and aide public participation?

In.the.broad.context,.public.agencies.should.encourage.and.aide.public.participation.to.
monitor.and.evaluate.progress.(i.e..How.are.things.going?).and.when.changes.in.course.
are.being.considered.(i.e..change.in.vision,.policy.).This.input.generally.falls.into.either.a.
discussion.regarding.“tactical”.issues.versus.“strategic”.issues..Both.are.ripe.for.public.
A
participation...The.question.of.when.seems.to.me.to.differ.according.to.what.is.the.nature.
of. the. desired. participation.. . The. more. “tactical”. questions. warrant. a. more. frequent.
structure. of. input. while. the. “strategic”. questions. come. about. less. often. but. generally.
require.a.more.intense.collaboration.

A
We.provide.public.hearings.on.specific.issues.where.we.establish.a.dialogue.

A
Advertise;.recruit.committees..
A
When.public.participation.adds.value.to.the.governance.process.

A
By.providing.information.freely.and.being.accessible.to.the.public.

When?..Always,.but.particularly.during.the.community.comprehensive.planning.process.
where.decisions.made.therein.will.affect.the.entire.community.for.many.years....How?..By.
A
attending.public.meetings,.such.as.City.Council.Meetings,.Planning.Commission.Meetings.
and.by.answering.city-wide.surveys.sent.by.government.to.gather.citizen.input..

A
Venue.is.important...Make.it.convenient.and.comfortable...Less.formal.settings.

During. the. formation. of. governmental. policy. and. regulations. sponsored. by. the.
A
government.

When.setting.broad.public.policy..Should.light.rail.have.been.part.of.the.Midtown.Tunnel.
A
project.being.advertised?

A
As.often.as.necessary.and.not.wait.until.there.is.a.community.crisis.

Public.agencies.and.departments.must.actively.go.out.into.the.community.to.formally.ask.
for.information.and.help.in.solving.difficult.problems.such.as.gang.activity...There.must.be.
A
an.ongoing.public/civic/.community.dialogue.at.the.conversational.informal.one-on-one.
level.as.well.
Make. it. easy. technically.. . E-notification,. email,. people. (not. machines). answering.
A
phones,.publish.phone.numbers.of.officials...But.mostly,.have.an.attitude.that.welcomes.
participation.
A
Public.hearings,.special.forums,.boards.and.commissions.


#6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aide public
participation?


E
Encourage.volunteerism,.participation.in.public.events.
Have.a.duty.to.notify.citizens,.offer.opportunities.to.comment,.plenty.of.technical.
E
possibilities,.be.open.as.possible,.build.trust.
We.need.to.do.a.better.job.of.telling.what.the.city.has.done...Do.a.better.job.of.creating.
E
forums.and.meetings...Doing.better.on.the.Web.site...Newspapers.are.not.the.future...
City.TV.channel.with.information...Provide.an.avenue.for.communication.
E
Often.and.continuously.
Provide.information.before.a.decision.and.help.guide.the.decision...Desire.to.participate.
E
seems.to.be.growing.
Media.for.announcements.and.public.hearings.or.comment.sessions.are.the.usual.
E
approach...Elected.officials.need.to.take.a.proactive.role.in.holding.yearly.town.
meetings.
E
They.need.to.get.public.input.from.day.one.and.not.after.decisions.have.been.made.
They.should.seek.out.public.comment.before.decisions.are.made.as.to.solutions.for.
E
issues.

O
At.very.beginning.in.any.project;.very.thoroughly.
Through.the.communication.process...Get.agencies.to.have.people.active.in.creative.
O
solutions.
O
Public.settings...One-on-one.visits.with.officials.
By.hosting.public.comment.sessions.at.various.times.of.the.day.and.at.all.commission.
O
and.council.meetings...All.agencies.and.departments.should.encourage.public.
participation.in.planning.and.comment.opportunities..

O
By.all.acceptable.means.possible,.as.often.as.necessary.
Use.on-line.tools..Be.available.for.discussions.in.the.media...Hold.public.discussion.
O
forums.
Anytime.and.anywhere.public.safety.or.health.or.quality.of.life.is.concerned...The.front-
O
end.is.the.best.time.but.localities.should.review.services.periodically.to.determine.when.
and.how.cooperation/participation.can.better.occur.
Regularly.and.often;.more.than.“public.meetings”.which.are.too.often.designed.to.mute.
O
voices...Use.more.creativity.and.sincerity.
They.have.a.duty.to.educate.the.public..Collect.the.facts,.analyze,.make.available.on.
O
Web.site..Meetings.should.be.held.at.a.time.when.people.can.participate..
.

23

#6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aide
public participation?

E=Elected Official A=Appointed Officia O=Other Citizen Leader

Opportunities.to.volunteer.should.be.publicized...Public.forums.should.have.clear.topics.
O
and.multiple.occasions.to.participate...Council.and.senior.administrators.should.be.
clearly.available.
More.and.more.citizens.communicate.through.electronic.means:.email,.texting,.on-line.
O
searching,.etc.
Again,.this.answer.depends.on.the.issue.and.the.situation...However,.public.agencies.
O
must.take.proactive.measures.to.make.sure.that.citizens.understand.the.issues.and.
participate.in.the.debate.of.the.same.
Every.issue.should.comply.with.a.specified.public.engagement.component.that.flows.
from.a.formal.public.engagement.policy...There.should.be.resources.to.promote,.
O
educate,.encourage,.empower.and.facilitate.the.public.at.all.stages.of.public.decision.
consideration.and.decision.making.

Certain.events,.like.budgets,.comprehensive.plans,.big.tax.increases.where.concentrated.
education.is.needed...We.don’t.pay.government.enough.to.have.on-line.dialogue.with.
O
every.single.person...The.public.doesn’t.make.decisions;.they.elect.people.to.make.
decisions.

O
EARLY,.before.decisions.are.made...Fact.gathering.while.approach.is.still.on.the.table.

One.of.the.reasons.governments.take.longer.than.businesses.to.make.decisions.and.
execute.them.is.the.worthy.effort.often.made.to.provide.opportunities.for.citizens.and.
special.interests.to.express.ideas.and.preferences.on.contemplated.activities...Often.this.
process.of.public.consultation.is.described.cynically.as.prudent.“cya”,.but.if.new.policy.
or.major.expense.is.involved,.the.public.should.be.consulted..However,.the.extent.to.
O
which.this.should.be.done.can.be.over-emphasized...For.example,.it.may.take.years.for.
the.City.of.New.York.to.execute.a.project,.even.just.cleaning.up.a.nuisance.property,.
because.of.the.layers.of.process.that.have.been.foisted.on.its.agencies.over.the.years...
Ideally,.once.responsible.officials.complete.the.consultation.process,.to.whatever.degree.
is.appropriate,.bureaucrats.should.be.free.to.execute.without.interference,.with.results.
subject.to.audit.and.disclosure.

O
Needs.to.be.a.culture.of.openness.

Whenever.they.need.to.make.a.decision.that.impacts.a.community.or.individual....
O
Whenever.a.decision.spends.a.lot.of.taxpayer’s.money...Hold.public.hearings,.visit.civic.
groups,.contact.individuals,.mediate.development.projects.

Use.all.means.possible...Read.the.newspaper,.handle.phone.calls.respectfully,.consider.
opinion,.especially.that.which.is.critical,.hold.meeting,.hearings,.written.comment.
O
periods,.attend.community.events.to.listen,.not.talk,.and.in.all.ways.be.open.to.
communication.


6 - How and when can/should public agencies and departments encourage and aide public
participation?


First,.they.need.to.generate.the.idea.that.such.civic.engagement.is.useful...Then.they.
have.to.generate.space.and.procedures.for.this.to.happen.and.they.need.to.design.
that.process.to.be.one.in.which.the.agency’s.board.members.are.not.made.victims.and.
become.the.subjects.of.fury.and.rage,.but.rather.that.the.agency.designs.the.process.
in.a.way.that.steers.the.public.to.make.comments.on.subjects.for.which.the.agency.
needs.input...For.example,.allow.and.seek.public.comments.on.a.certain.two.or.three.
O
agenda.items.in.an.MPO.Board.meeting.instead.of.all.topics.on.the.agenda.(or.even.any.
subject.not.on.the.agenda)...The.idea.of.a.public.comment.period.at.the.beginning.of.
a.Board.meeting.requires.the.public.to.comment.before.being.aware.of.the.agencies.
information,.and.a.public.comment.period.at.the.end.of.a.Board.meeting.risks.having.
public.comments.put.forward.“after”.a.decision.was.made...All.this,.of.course,.is.not.
easy.

People.need.to.see.the.process.before.it.unfolds.as.well.as.understanding.the.unfolding...
Asking.for.public.input.after.the.decision.has.been.made.has.led.to.public.disinterest.as.
O
well.as.public.distrust..Asking.for.citizen.input,.then.ignoring.it.by.saying.government.is.
acting.in.their.best.interest,.is.one.of.the.worst.habits.our.local.governments.have.

Public.agencies.and.departments.should.encourage.public.participation.on.a.regular.
basis..Having.gone.through.this.exercise.on.numerous.projects,.I.can.attest.that.
sometimes.the.process.is.a.bit.messy.and.laborious..I.can.also.attest.that.involving.the.
O
public.at.crucial.decision.points.of.an.issue.has.provided.great.insight.that.has.led.to.
improvements.not.originally.considered,.as.well.as.winning.the.support.of.people.in.
order.to.move.forward.with.the.project..Basically,.the.time.to.keep.the.public.informed.
is.during,.not.after,.the.decision.making.process.

O
Be.as.transparent.as.possible...Encourage.rather.than.discourage.public.participation.

Time.-.take.the.time.to.do.their.job...It’s.their.job.to.aide.public.participation.but.many.
O
seem.bothered.by.it.

O
Prior.to.decision.time...Newsletters.and.public.meetings.to.educate.the.public.

25

#7 – What needs to be in place for this to happen?
An.organizational.plan.on.how.to.involve.the.public.

Willingness.to.be.transparent...Can’t.have.things.to.hide...Have.to.be.honest.

Internet,.especially.for.young.people.

Trust.of.local.government.

Commitment.from.staff.and.elected.officials.to.put.these.things.in.place...It.takes.lots.
of.staff.time,.so.there.has.to.be.a.commitment.

Energy.and.care.

Government.needs.to.believe.the.public.will.respond.if.asked.and.will.be.honest.in.
their.information.

Public.officials.need.to.change.their.negative.attitude.about.public.engagement.

First.of.all,.you.need.leadership.that.embraces.and.values.this.kind.of.input...
Second,.you.need.the.“infrastructure”.to.successfully.carry.out.this.type.of.complex.
information.gathering...This.infrastructure.includes.trained.facilitators,.the.people.
necessary.to.handle.the.logistics.and.manage.the.data.collection.and.lastly,.you.
need.an.effective.network.of.grassroots.leaders.and.organizations.willing.to.serve.as.
partners.

The.City.(Hampton).includes.this.in.its.planning.process.

Internal.structure,.TV,.Web,.press...Special.interest.areas.assigned.to.staff...Meetings.
in.neighborhoods.

The.culture,.would.need.knowledge.of.how.to.do.it...Need.to.resist.the.feeling.that.
government.knows.best.

Local.government.policy.statement.endorsed.by.citizens.defining.expectations.

Better.civic.understanding.by.citizens.and.public.servants.

Effective.public.communication.between.government.and.citizens.

Neighborhood.town.hall.settings.

Active.public.awareness.campaigns.


Change.public.meetings.–.now.only.gripe.sessions...Need.well-planned.preliminary.
communications.

Support.from.all.levels.of.government.from.the.city.administration.and.elected.
officials.

Belief.that.these.are.valuable,.not.painful.and.not.a.waste.of.time...Elected.officials.
have.blamed.public.servants.in.public.and.it.was.painful...A.thorough.understanding.
of.how.to.frame.issues.to.ask.for.input.that.can.be.responded.to.honestly...Ask.for.
manageable.input.–.to.frame.the.appropriate.question...Time.to.repeat.processes.until.
the.public.believes...Need.to.know.how.to.avoid.loud.citizens.imposing.their.will.

The.geographic.area.and.community.of.interest.needs.to.be.addressed.through.better.
means...Newspapers,.even.city.pages,.are.not.reaching.many.people..Therefore,.more.
outreach.rather.than.always.expecting.citizens.to.convene.for.a.discussion.held.far.
from.their.homes.or.requiring.childcare.and.other.special.arrangements.

A.commitment.by.government.to.open.up.channels.and.behave.in.an.open.way.

Use.of.technology,.public.events.that.encourage.participation.

Willing.citizens.and.open.government.

Education.system.must.be.restructured.to.include.social.justice.with.math.and.science...
Children.need.to.understand.that.citizens.affect.public.policy.

Regional.authorities.–.too.many.directions,.fighting.each.other...Problems.–.population.
bases.or.power.bases...Need.to.have.a.center.to.be.a.region.

Have.a.fair.and.balanced.citizen.organization.

Better.advertisement.of.meetings.and.hearings.and.the.encouragement.of.citizens.to.
participate.in.open.discussions.about.issues.

Boards.and.commission.requirements.

The.tools.exist;.just.need.the.desire.to.use.them.

Localities.should.establish.“social.contracts”.with.neighborhoods.and.citizens.at.large.
regarding.how.and.when.decisions.will.be.made...Local.decisions.at.the.neighborhood.
level.require.conversations.at.scales.that.are.closer.and.more.intimate...But.even.large.
city.or.county-wide.decisions.should.have.an.explicit.social.contract.that.sets.out.
expectations.for.involvement.and/or.adjustments.based.on.performance.

27

Use.computers;.pick.“best.practices”.for.input.from.others.

Email.lists,.electronic.distribution,.Web.presence.

Sell.your.Web.site.to.the.public...When.council.members.are.running.for.office.items.
should.be.discussed.broadly.

Government.could.easily.offer,.for.example,.email.updates.to.those.on.email.
address.lists.tailored.to.specific.citizen.interests...Citizens.could.be.asked.to.sign.up.
on.the.lists.that.interest.them,.to.keep.current...These.email.lists.are.maintained.
today.by.many.organizations.and.companies,.and.they.are.easily.updated.by.those.
on.the.list.by.offering.a.place.at.the.bottom.of.each.email.to.change.the.applicable.
email.address.or.to.unsubscribe.to.that.particular.email.sequence.

Education.on.how.to.do.it.for.both.the.citizen.and.the.government.

Dedicated.resources.and.a.well-defined.public.engagement.policy.and.set.of.
processes.

Tools,.ask.early,.on-line.surveys,.use.public.participation.consultants.

As.a.practical.matter,.responsive.government.means.elected.leaders.and.public.
managers.who.are.sensitive.to.when.public.consultation.is.appropriate...Has.debate.
during.the.election.provided.a.mandate?..Is.the.matter.utterly.routine.and.subject.
to.considerable.prior.precedents?..Has.the.actual.plan.been.given.reasonable.
public.exposure?..Is.notice.adequate.or.should.hearings.be.held?..A.good.politician,.
especially.one.in.opposition,.will.raise.the.hue.and.cry.when.an.important.issue.
needs.more.public.involvement.

The.public.needs.to.believe.their.input.will.be.taken.seriously...Feels.sometimes.like.
we.are.asked.only.because.they.are.obligated.to.ask,.don’t.know.what.will.be.done.
with.answers.

A.highly-motivated.civic.engagement.mindset.in.the.government.agency...An.
understanding.by.the.citizens.that.they.must.participate...A.good.citizen.hierarchy.

First,.a.receptive.attitude;.if.that.does.not.exist,.don’t.bother.with.the.rest....

Better.communication.with.open.forums,.Web.sites.

Improve.mindset.–.people.aren’t.addressing.job/issue.at.hand.

Better.sharing.of.information.

People.need.to.be.motivated...They.should.participate.because.this.is.“my.
neighborhood.”..Sometimes.it.requires.an.issue.in.involve.citizens.


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