Become part of your community, get involved

TONAWANDA/NORTH TONAWANDA - Aside from the time of year when the city and town budgets are presented to the public, or students show up because it’s getting close to the end of the school year, there really aren’t that many people at the Town of Tonawanda, City of Tonawanda or North Tonawanda board or council meetings.

Granted some people may be listening to the town meeting from home, but I wonder why people don’t want to attend these meetings?

There are often a number of comments called into the Metro Steam hot line or comments posted on the www.metrowny.com website, but not too many people are there in person to voice their opinions in front of their community government leaders.

Although making comments with the help of social media and in print are a great way to participate, I have to believe the concerns of one resident may also be the concerns of other residents and that voicing these concerns in person may be more beneficial to those in the community.

Many, if not all, the members of who sit on the council or board tend to work hard to eliminate the concerns of the residents. But, it seems to be more effective when they are told directly.

These people, who you as residents have elected to govern your community, are being under utilized.

Although some meetings may only discuss a brief amount of city or town business; they are still available at a specific time, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis that is specifically set aside for you - the residents - to have a few minutes to speak with them directly.

So why not go talk to these people?

How else will they know how you feel or what changes need to be made, unless you tell them?

For the past year, I have attended these meeting and watched as there has been a significant decline in the amount of people who show up to make a statement.

These comments don’t have to be negative. You are allowed three to five minutes to say whatever you want - it’s your right.

But, it’s up to you to exercise that right.

This is your community, so start getting involved.

Make your opinion heard and then sit back and watch the change become a reality.

Become a leader, rather than just a home owner in your community.

If you want something to happen, you have to start somewhere.

These meetings act as a forum for your voice to be heard.