Support the animal shelter advisory board
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Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
Published: June 1, 2008
I’ve heard a group is trying to form an Advisory Board for the Prince William County animal shelter. Unfortunately, I’ve also heard the Board of County Supervisors, shelter and the police department have been less than supportive.
When citizens are allowed to team with governing bodies, departmental resources can be used more effectively. An entity like an advisory board can perform valuable services such as conducting studies, organizing fundraising activities, growing existing programs and enhancing public awareness.
Citizen groups that work closely with government can help overcome agency obstacles because citizens have venues and connections public officials often do not have access to. In addition, when
citizens are permitted to take an active role, public image improves. Finally, many advisory board members will volunteer or work for a pittance to contribute to the cause of their choice.
I hope our local public officials change their minds and genuinely support more advisory boards, including this one that aims to support our animal friends and their owners.
Diverse, public participation in local decision making can mean the difference between a county full of disgruntled citizens and one empowered to fulfill the complex missions required of our government.
KATHERINE MERCURIO GOTTHARDT
Bristow
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Posted by ( do the right thing ) on June 05, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Ms. Gotthardt:
The Community Criminal Justice Board has to do with pre-trial services and offenders. Its function does not have anything to do with a police advisory panel which solely makes recommendations to the Chief of Police.
You must not understand the Criminal Justice Baord’s responsibilities.
We don’t have a police advisory committee for a reason. Chief Deane doesn’t want any citizen meddling in the business of the police and making any kind of recommendations.
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Posted by ( kgotthardt ) on June 02, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Actually, “do the right thing”, there is something called the Community Criminal Justice Board that includes citizen members.
The current boards citizens participate in are at http://www.pwcgov.org/apps/bcc/report_viewer.aspx
My point is the animal shelter could use a board as well. There are certainly enough citizens interested in doing the work.
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Posted by ( do the right thing ) on June 02, 2008 at 7:09 am
Katherine:
The Board of Supervisors has to remain open-minded to citizens who come before them and are questioning their police chief.
Chief Deane is afraid of loosing control when it comes to citizens presenting suggestions for any type of citizens advisory committee.
Most modern police department’s seek input into better providing services to their communities. Chief Deane doesn’t want to hear any criticism.
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