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
This is regarding the letter received 1/24/09 regarding water supply problems.
Granted, (and most thankful) that this was not an emergency issue. The date of letter distribution was 1/23/09, describing a problem in the distribution system occuring on 12/22/08. This letter should have been received by all citizens of the Vienna supply area.
While it is cited that the problem should cause no ill effects to the citizens, it is mentioned that "individuals with extremely compromised immune systems" could be impacted.
It is also mentioned that some may not have received this notice (apartments, nursing homes, schools, etc).
It is my opinion that if the Town of Vienna cares about its citizens, and since the town cannot know the health status for the citizens, 1) this letter/notice should have been sent out promptly, not 30 days following the incident, and 2) the Town government should have hand delvered said letter to the schools, nursing homes, appartment management, and businesses with specific direction to post the letter.
Once again, this town government has shown its true don't "give a damn" attitude towards the citizens.
Posted by: Fed Up | January 25, 2009 10:45 AM
Re the killing of a hawk as reported in the Post on 2/10/09.
I have a feeling that this is the same hawk which has frequented the area around my bird feeder for several years. It has always been fun to see such a magnificant creature show up in a residental community.
The charges pressed by the local police should only be the begining. The killing of this bird is a federal offense, CFR 50, Title 18 of the U.S.Code, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Hope like hell that the feds bust him for the max of $500 and/or 6 months.
Posted by: Ex Fed | February 10, 2009 03:26 PM