Good Communications

Good communications are an important factor in any group, be it a company, a family or the government. When good communications are achieved, assumptions are reduced, people work together better and decisions made can be supported by more of a consensus. For any elected official, I believe that communications with their constituents should be a high priority.

As a member of the Board, I would actively pursue opinions, solutions and positions of the voters I represent. I would continue to utilize a website to provide updates on items before the Board and request input. I would welcome your e-mails and provide a response to them. Too often, e-mails to representatives are never answered. If a large and contentious issue came before the Board, I would propose a precinct meeting where the issue could be informally discussed and debated. I would work to foster good and open communications.

Good communications need to also exist between the school district, the Board as a group and the public. The school district has established an excellent web site where much good information can be obtained. I would propose that the information available be expanded. Any item presented at a board meeting or planning meeting should be available online in the agenda and minutes. For example, the planning department may make a presentation of population growth patterns and future school impacts and I believe this information should be made available electronically. Another example is that I believe names of administrative appointments should be provided in the agenda to allow for adequate public comment before the vote.

People need to know that they are being heard. As your representative, I would be your voice and would welcome your opinion.