Democracy Requires Paying Attention!

Here is a very thoughtful essay written by John DeRosier, an EC County Board Member about the need for citizens to be aware of the ongoing process of government and change in our communities. It cites the recent concerns about the County jail locations but certainly applies to the activities of the ECASD. There have been many, many issues that have been part of the discussion in the last year (the Budget, Conflict of Interest, a New Superintendent, Needs Assessment, etc....). Have you followed the discussion? Attended a meeting? Written an e-mail in support or opposed to an issue?

It is not too late to start! Please jump right in and read up about a topic on the Agenda and then attend a meeting and give your input. We are all "The Deciders" in a Democracy!

Maria

Updated: 3/13/2008 7:47:01 PM

Democracy requires paying attention

By John DeRosier
Kudos and congratulations to Tom Giffey and Gregg Moore for their thoughtful, informative pieces in the Leader-Telegram regarding the courthouse/jail expansion.

Giffey, the editorial page editor, wrote a March 2 editorial pointing out a few facts that needed to be explained. For example, a study completed in 2005 recommended that a new jail be built right across the street from the current courthouse. That study was requested by the County Board in 2003 to determine space needs.

Moore, an Eau Claire County Board member, wrote March 5 about how the proposed courthouse expansion is designed to blend in well with the downtown architecture and would also be aesthetically pleasing.

The courthouse expansion has been in the news since 1991. Obviously, a number of well-meaning citizens object to the expansion. It is a credit to our society that people can disagree. It would be a shame if all of us agreed on everything. Having said that, and recognizing the need for freedom of speech and freedom of the press, a few things need to be said.

Over the years much information has been offered to the reading public, yet some have failed to keep up with it. The question posed by Giffey's editorial, "Where have you been?" is not only appropriate but necessary.

Government and democracy are not just classroom exercises in which a student shows up late for class while exclaiming, "Sorry I'm late, but I think I have all the facts so everybody must listen to me now." One needs to take responsibility, and that means being fully informed on the issues. In other words, keep up with the news. Some people will tolerate those who are too often a day late and a dollar short, but others will exclaim, "Wake up and smell the coffee."

Some have stated that the courthouse expansion would ruin the riverfront and the neighborhood. Because of local concerns, it will be set back 30 feet from First Avenue, which is some distance from the river. Also, one can compare the drawings of the courthouse expansion with the current buildings on First Avenue.

Attention should also be given to businesses nearby on Grand Avenue. According to unconfirmed rumors, those businesses would be torn down if the courthouse expansion went through. That's not exactly the truth. But if the expansion was built south of Eau Claire, one has to wonder where those businesses would go. And how would the residents in that area feel?

I have had the privilege of serving on the Eau Claire County Board for the past two years. I can honestly state that while some of us have disagreed and in all likelihood will disagree with each other in the future, we treat each other with great respect. That's the way it should be.

DeRosier, of Eau Claire, represents the 28th District on the Eau Claire County Board. He is running unopposed in the April 1 election.