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Good local government means being responsible with our town's business and being open with the people you serve. While a leader must sometimes make tough decisions quickly, especially in an emergency, the normal process should be clear and give people a chance to understand and be heard. Allowing comments from citizens may somewhat slow things down a bit, but many items don't need to be rushed into.
A recent event here in Winlock shows why this is so important. On June 9, the mayor proposed a new Farm Board. People at the meeting could speak, but they were not allowed to talk about anything on the agenda that night. This meant no one could ask questions about the Farm Board itself.
Then, at the very next meeting on June 23, the council voted on it and passed it into law. The council may have followed the basic rules, but the people of Winlock never got a real chance to understand it or share their ideas. This made many folks feel left out. It is exactly this feeling that leads people to stop participating. But it is also the reason we must get involved.
I want to be very clear: I am not against a Farm Board. I am a farmer myself. My worry is not the idea, but how it was passed. We deserve a process that strives for openness whenever possible.
I know it's easy to feel like your voice doesn't count. But we can't give up. We need to show up. Please, attend council meetings, ask questions, share your concerns and, most importantly, vote. Your engagement makes sure our leaders know your priorities, especially when we have to make a hard choice.
Together, we can make Winlock a place where your voice is heard and you are valued.
Victoria Marincin
Winlock
