Residents of Pea Ridge are speaking up on social media, questioning and sometimes speaking against the city's contemplation of a one-company trash service with the bill on the city's water bill.
One resident said it best: "I think we the citizens should have a say in this matter since we are the ones it will affect."
Questioning something is not necessarily bad.
Too often people in leadership, whether it be government or business (or even families) view a question as rebellious or defiant. But, if those in leadership would take the time to explain, they would often find that they've gained a supporter.
There is a time for questionless obedience, but that is not often and is usually only with leaders to whom we have a history of loyalty and trust.
There are people in leadership who view those who broadcast decisions as evil, as troublemakers. (Hence, "Don't shoot the messenger.")
But, with government, no matter the size, it is imperative that the taxpayers and voters know the business of their community. When elected officials begin to think they know better than the common man and don't feel obligated to share the questions and decisions, they become prey to arrogance and pride and seldom make wise decisions for the good of the whole.
Sadly, there are people in leadership who have two faces -- one for the public and another in private. They manipulate and twist to show an always positive side to the public.
It is sad to see people who attend church, smile, talk sweetly when they have an audience, but then privately curse, speak harshly, angrily and profanely. It is dangerous for the public when those people hold a position of influence and no longer feel accountable to the public. Those are the same people who cover up news about their family and friends and broadcast, and even enlarge, bad news about people against whom they hold a grudge.
They believe telling news they don't like -- news about crime or something negative that happens -- is both unnecessary and harmful, but if all the news is not told equilaterally, then all the news is skewed. Tellers of news must be as willing to tell the unpleasant as they are the pleasant about people they like and people they dislike, equally.
A story about drugs in the school is bad. But, it is also good if the leadership deals with the situation well. And, getting caught may be just the impetus needed for the miscreants to change their choices.
Whether we like it or not, we will not create a utopia. We can not fix our families, towns, counties, states or nation, but we can each be faithful in the realm in which we're placed. We can discipline ourselves and those under our authority. We can set a good example for those over whom we have influence and communicate honestly and transparently with others.
Interestingly, public officials would be honest and transparent, they would look human and real and as honest as they profess to be. When a public official refuses to release public information instead of humbly saying they aren't familiar enough with the law to release that information until they research it, then they fear they may look stupid, but it's never wrong to say "I doesn't know." Research can always be done and further communication can be enhanced. But, when officials are defensive and closed, it raises suspicions and questions.
A city official said a newspaper writer "made me look stupid."
A candidate asked the newspaper to "put me in a good light."
It is the job of the media to put the light on public news -- neither "good" nor "bad" light. Just the light. Let the public draw their own conclusions, just give them the information.
It's time to stop being scared of bullies -- little people who think they're bigger than they are and whose weapons are rumors and slander. It's time the public get involved in their business. Attend meetings.
All public meetings are open to the public -- City Council, Planning Commission, council committee of the whole, School Board -- any meeting of two or more persons elected who serve on the same body is answerable to the Freedom of Information Act. People need to be informed before jumping to conclusions.
Facts, not rumors or hearsay, are essential to good decision making.
Editorial on 02/11/2015