How can public servants serve you better? News out of Ventnor City Hall is that they’re forming a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).
A group of 10 will be hand selected by Ventnor officials. Presumably to share positive suggestions on how to make Ventnor better. A no gadfly policy will be in effect.
Wanna take part? To be considered:
- Send name and bio to Ventnor City administrator; Maria Mento
- Email to: mmento@ventnorcity.org
- Put ‘Advisory Committee’ in subject line
- Send by June 21
The CAC will serve in an advisory role and will meet monthly. One commissioner will be part of each meeting.
Ventnor Commissioners Look To Form Citizen Advisory Committee.
Stephen Dicht via social media says: If they want a fair representation of people, there must be [part-time] residents on the committee. Any commitment which excludes part-time residents is a sham and ignores the reality of Ventnor. Seems like a good idea provided it’s not just window dressing and the Commissioners actually listen.
Will seasonal homeowners get a seat at the table? Will 2nd homeowners [75% of local tax base with no voting rights] have their voices heard?
- Will Ventnor leadership prefer full time residents over part-timers?
- Will the Ventnor CAC be truly representative of all local taxpayers?
- Fears. 10 members may be hand picked based on past loyalties.
Interesting. Ventnor leadership will control this CAC… an exclusive, invitation only, community town hall for 10 lucky people.
In neighboring towns like Margate and Ocean City, these orgs grow and thrive independently. This boosts city hall accountability.
To date, Ventnor is one of the few South Jersey shore towns, that still doesn’t record and post public meetings to YouTube.
John Piatt commented on social media: Personally I believe that our Commissioners were elected to represent all of us. I’m not so sure that an advisory board made up of pre-approved members will be of greater value than the value of any opinion of any resident or second home owner. Hearing advice and counsel from members of our community should best be heard at workshop and committee meetings. Where anyone, pre-approved or not, can offer opinion.
John Piatt says: Personally I believe that our Commissioners were elected to represent all of us. I’m not so sure that an advisory board made up of pre-approved members will be of greater value than the value of any opinion of any resident or second home owner. Hearing the advise and counsel of the members of our community should best be heard at workshop and committee meetings where anyone, pre-approved or not, can offer opinion. I believe that when we elect our city government we entrust those folks with a mission and agree that they are fit to accomplish that mission. I have no reason to believe that they are not already listening and aware of the community’s interests.