Ground Rules, Site Philosophy & Mission
We found the following Mark Tapscott editorial in The Examiner. He sums up the mission of this web site: get rid of careerists in Vienna politics:
Neither Democrats versus Republicans nor liberals versus conservatives will define 21st-century politics. Citizen legislators versus career politicians will. The citizen legislators will win by embracing the Internet and the wisdom of crowds. Politicians in both major parties who repeatedly seek re-election to keep "bringing home the bacon" while feathering their own nests are careerists. Candidates in both parties who bring the real world to Washington to clean it up - and who can't wait to return home - are citizen legislators. Careerists thrive on the power, perks and prestige that come with being insiders. Until now, their power stemmed from a monopoly on information, which they selectively shared with the rest of us. Theirs is the world of old media, big impersonal institutions and spinning "experts." By contrast, citizen legislators thrive on the power of principle and the liberating independence that comes with being outsiders. Their power stems from their cultivation of information to the widest possible audience and the accountability that comes with such transparency. Theirs is the world of Internet-based new media and the collaborative networking that thrives there. As long as the careerists remain in power, they will continue aggrandizing themselves, while making government bigger, more costly and less able to deal with emergencies...
Seeman, Robinson try as you might, neither of you are citizen legislators.
This site serves as a counterweight to the Vienna government. The Vienna government, including the Town Council has free reign at Town meetings, always gets the last word at public hearings, controls the Town newsletter and places stories in the local press. This site they don't control or censor.
What are the site rules?
1. If you are a member of Town Council or sit on a Town Board of Commission, you are not just an average Vienna citizen. You know you are in the firing line, so don't write here whining.
2. Say something smart. Respond to an issue. Add value.
3. Don't "spin".
Comments
why has Maude been allowed to control the town for 30 years? she's never been elected as mayor, yet she has power over everything. the town needs a government that will stand up to her.
Posted by: anne smith | October 30, 2006 10:36 AM
Has there ever been a push to make sure that all roads in Vienna (or especially all new or reconstructed roads) have sidewalks? This would be extremely helpful to residents for recreation and for getting around.
Thanks.
Posted by: Ms. Hopkins | January 31, 2007 10:40 AM
I have been an active player in Vienna mens softball for over 20 years and I am very concerned about the condition of the league. It has been so poorly run for the past few years that I feel that it might be coming to an end. Field conditions and lack of commitment seems to be the major issues. This used to be a great league with family ties to the community. Now it is hit or miss if we will even have enough teams to play. Could someone please put someone in charge who actually cares about softball and Vienna's history.
Posted by: concerned ballplayer | April 1, 2007 07:10 PM