WV Citizens Want More Transparency

Dear Editor,

There seems to be the following sentiment circulating through Water Valley.  It goes something like this:  “I hope ‘they’ are happy about (or do not later regret) Mr. Hart’s resignation.”  Since there was never a secret cabal known as “They,” one can only assume this sentiment refers to citizens of our community asking for greater transparency in our city government.  Once again, Thomas Jefferson wrote:  “An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will.”  

 

Obviously, it bears noting that all of our community admire and appreciate Mr. Hart’s love of and dedication to Water Valley.  However, Board of Aldermen meetings in which agenda items were simply read then rubber stamped were never examples of representative government.  

A new policy related to the BoA agendas was adopted during the last meeting. A draft agenda is to be complied by noon on the Monday (8 days) prior to the next meeting.  It is to be finalized and posted in City Hall by noon on the Thursday before the meeting.  This is a real step forward as it provides both the public and members of the Board information related to upcoming city business.

  

Each of us will need to make an informed decision as we move to a special election for a new mayor.  Please support your candidate not only by voting but also by participating in our city government. Regardless of one’s choice, each of us want to see our city grow and prosper while retaining the character that makes it uniquely Water Valley.  

   

Charlotte Lane

Market Street