I understand that some of our readers are suspicious of who we are and why we started this post. By all means, we are not trying to work "undercover" - and in fact sit on the front row of the Board meetings with a video camera, trying to get a few videos and notes from the meetings. Our names are Debbie Sparks and Ross Johnson. Ross and I were both members of the same team when we attended Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Our idea for a project then was a communications effort, but at the time, we only laid the groundwork for a project and did not carry it out. We stayed in touch, however, because I do advertising design for his business - and the more that we talked about what was happening in Pittsylvania County, the more we thought that it would be a good idea to create a grassroots communication initiative within the county.
First of all, we decided that if we didn't take an active part in our county, we had no right to complain....that's when we decided to attend Board meetings. Then we thought that we would provide a way for people to get a mild overview of the Board meetings. Many people just aren't able to get out, and a large segment of the community (myself included) didn't feel like going to a meeting after working all day...So we thought if we created this blog, it might actually get people more interested in their county government, and eventually give them a place to "speak" their minds.
I write most of the blog, while Ross Johnson teams up with me at the meetings to "explain" some of the things I don't understand in the meetings, as well as be the "point man" in talking with people about issues and working to get the blog "out there." We both take a few videos to post to the site or to YouTube. We are working, quite openly, to bring this blog to you, purely as two people interested in doing something for county citizens....it's a very, very small beginning, but at least it's a beginning.
Our intent is to stay "middle of the road" and simply give the facts with no bias, regardless of what we personally feel. We shoot videos of people talking, and we report on the Board votes and findings....it's not indepth - just a quick overview - but probably all most people want to hear.
Truthfully, this whole blog probably started out because we were very discouraged with what seemed to be happening at the Board meetings - the continual 4 -3 splits, and the alledged "behind the scenes deals" and other opaque Board rituals...
But we also knew that if we went in with our own agenda, it would be of no real value at all. We need to keep very middle of the road with what we tell the citizens, with no leaning one way or the other, so that they will know that what we say on this blog is true to the best of our knowledge and ability. We report it like we see it - as Ross says, "It is what it is - now YOU decide."
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3 comments:
Thanks! We appreciate your comments. It's been both a learning experience for us - and one that we've both wondered if we should continue...your remarks make us want to continue the effort.
Being involved in politics whether you are reporting it, trying to change it, figure it out, or are an active participant, it is and always will be a dirty business. Not for the faint of heart. I admire you both for sticking your nose into it in an admiral way. I hope you continue as we need you to keep our local government transparent. It all starts here you know. If it is honest and fair at this level it will continue up to state and federal levels. The same goes if it is otherwise and we are seeing some of those negative results coming to light now. And believe it or not partially thanks to you both. Please keep this blog going. I know it is work and pretty much thankless but it actually makes my job easier and we as politicians, politicians that are in politics for the right reasons, certainly appreciate the help. May God bless you both and keep you strong.
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