Town Council invites citizens to share their concerns with the Mayor
VINTON–In a continuing effort on the part of Vinton Town Council to engage citizens in local government, the Mayor and Council members are setting aside three Saturdays in December to meet with residents of the Town to hear their concerns.
“The purpose is to provide time for citizens to discuss anything, questions, problems, and compliments during times that may be more suitable for citizens, rather than Tuesday evenings. This is intended to compliment our Council in the Neighborhood initiative,” said Town Manager Chris Lawrence.
On December 3 and December 17, Mayor Brad Grose and another member of Town Council will be in Chambers at the Vinton Municipal Building at 311 South Pollard Street, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to talk with citizens individually.
On December 10, Vice Mayor Carolyn Fidler, also joined by a Councilman, will be available to meet with area residents.
No appointment is necessary and there is no time limit for the conversations. All citizens of the Town are welcome to discuss any topics they deem important.
Vinton Mayor Brad Grose invites citizens to meet with him Saturday, Dec.6, at the Municipal Building to voice their questions and concerns.
Mayor Grose is hopeful that these Saturday sessions will allow citizens to become more actively involved in the workings of the Town, and plans to continue them on a regular basis if the December meetings are well-received.
“I think people are becoming more interested in local government and are more aware of the issues. I am optimistic that we can continue to meet with citizens in the future outside of regular Tuesday evening Council sessions,” said Mayor Grose.
The Mayor plans to pass along any practical concerns that citizens may share with him to the Town Staff for resolution. He will also bring philosophical or procedural issues to the attention of Town Council
He suggested December for the Saturday meetings since many people are already out and about on weekends during the busy holiday season. He also hopes to encourage citizens to check out local businesses and “BuyVinton” as they come by the Municipal building for a dialogue with Town leaders.
Town Council members have been very encouraged by the response of local residents to “Council in the Neighborhood” meetings, and they hope to see the same kind of response to the Saturday sessions. The next “Council in the Neighborhood” meetings have been scheduled at W.E.Cundiff Elementary School in February 2012 and at Herman L. Horn Elementary School in March.
By Debbie Adams
