Speak up, or forever hold your peace!

In times of financial stress and worries, communication becomes the glue that holds a community together. When contention abounds, reining in feelings and information is sometimes the inclination, but it is exactly what is not needed. It is always better to stand up and face the storm, even when doing so hurts.

You as community members are the ones who can influence and perhaps coerce government leaders to improve communication just by asking.

When you are sitting in a commissioners' meeting and you cannot hear what is being said, or when you are in a county council meeting and you cannot understand who is saying what (because half of the members' backs are to the audience and your view of those facing you is blocked by the ones not facing you), you can speak up.

Just speak up and say you cannot hear what is going on. It might take more than one time, but sooner or later you will be heard.

Remember the old adage, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

You might have to suggest several times that the amplification system in the commissioners' meeting room be enabled.

You might have to suggest more than one time that council members all face the audience. Or, you might suggest they simply move to the downstairs lounge to give them space to face the audience and allow for larger groups of people who are sure to be attending as the 2008 budget is being developed.

Whatever you do, or don't do, remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, never changing anything, but expecting a different outcome.

It is up to you, county residents, to let your voices be heard…just like you want to hear your leaders!