(UPDATES: go to bottom to see updates)
“If the broad light of day could be let in upon men’s actions, it would purify them as the sun disinfects.”
Louis D. Brandeis, US Supreme Court Associate Justice 1916-1939
Transparency and participation are the cornerstones for public oversight of government. Open government and public participation ensure that public policies are designed to be in the best interest of the citizens of Virgin, that public resources (your tax dollars) are used efficiently, and that the town’s elected officials and employees act in your interest and with integrity. In order to ensure transparency, there needs to be sufficient notice provided about proposed actions and then a meaniful opportunity for citizens to participate and provide comments on all matters of significant public interest. Town government belongs to its citizens and not to the town officials.
I will work to increase transparency, notice, and participation by:
- introducing an ordinance to increase notification of proposed zoning and planning projects and zone changes so landowners and neighbors know before, not after, the town acts.
- introducing an ordinance to require posting of property with signs to provide notice of zone changes and of major projects. The signs will allow citizens passing by the property and neighbors to know of the proposed zone change or major project.
- considering all public comment made at the planning board prior to making a decision.
- introducing an ordinance to eliminate the newly created Level 1 Conditional Use Permits (CUP) which were intentionally designed not to provide any notice of the development to the public and designed not to allow any opportunity for the public to comment before the zoning administrator acts.
- requesting that the town council consider allowing testimony and comment on all matters coming before the town council.
- introdude an ordinance to improve record request procedures. Record requests should be viewed as routine transactions between the town and the public, and not hoops to jump through to view a document.
- working to resume broadcasting of Town Council meetings and Planning & Zoning Board meetings.
- creating and maintaining, at my own expense, a web site, i.e. this web site, which will explain my reasoning for making a decision on a significant or controversial matter. Whether you agree or disagree with my decision, you will have had an opportunity to provide me with your concerns, and also know why and know the basis for my decision. By doing this, it will create accountability as I expect I will hear from you if you disagree.
UPDATE: See post concerning salary ordinance click here.
UPDATE: See post concerning posting of DRC Notice click here.