LAHARPE An engaged citizenry is necessary for communities to survive in todays America, Megan Gilliland contends.
If more people are involved in local government, were going to have more trust, said Gilliland, a communications and education manager for the League of Kansas Municipalities. We believe cities are able to survive, thrive and grow when residents are engaged and participate in the decision-making process.
Participation isnt limited to running for city council, she added. It can come through simple conversations with neighbors, volunteering for civic events or simply attending functions around town.
Gilliland spoke Tuesday to a group of about 20 residents from across Allen and Bourbon counties as part of a Local Government For Newbies session.
The two-hour workshop covered the basics of how a city government functions and how residents can be more involved in their communities.
The event was co-sponsored by LKM and Thrive Allen County, courtesy of a Healthy Communities Grant from the Kansas Health Foundation.
Its the first of three such sessions planned for LaHarpe within the next six months.
If the reception is positive enough early responses from attendees certainly were Gilliland hopes to create a template to take to other communities across the state.
She was assisted with Wednesdays exercise with Davianna Humble, a management intern and masters of public administration graduate student at the University of Kansas, and Damaris Kunkler, director of community engagement at Thrive.
Citizens, residents, dont believe the impact they can have on their local community, Humble said.
GILLILAND started with the basics the definition of a city, its basic functions and how its governed before delving into more advanced topics, such as open meetings laws, avoiding conflicts of interest and governmental ethics.
She offered factors to consider for those interested in running for public office.
Why do you want to run? she asked. What issues are important to you, your family, your neighborhood? The best government officials run because they care about their community.
Research your hometown before filing, she suggested. Become knowledgeable about issues facing a community.
Is running for office a good fit for your lifestyle? Do you have time? Can you raise money for a campaign? Is your family on board? Do you have potential conflicts of interest?
Get to the why, she said. Its so important. Theres nothing worse than somebody who over-promises and under-commits.
Gilliland touched on the mechanisms to filing for office where and when to file, as well as a statement that lists your financial and ownership interests necessary to prevent an elected official from dealing with conflicts of interest.
