There is no need to trash talk when talking about garbage.
A Yerington man recently posted information on Facebook alerting residents about a topic scheduled to come before the Mason Valley Advisory Board at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 5 regarding garbage collection. The post, which said the citizen advisory committee would discuss the idea of mandatory residential garbage pickup and recycling, immediately garnered comments from dozens of residents — the majority of whom were adamantly against mandatory services.
Some opposed a forced change: How can families on fixed incomes absorb any additional cost? Would there be additional dump fees? Was there a change in philosophy of supporting local businesses, since the current contract (which expires in 2024) is with a company run by two brothers who have picked up trash in Lyon County since 1979?
There were also comments in support: There are no current recycling programs. Unkempt yards and garbage dumped in lots lower property values. Piled trash poses rodent, insect and odor problems.
Both sides raise valid points. However, the validity of those posts is lost when they are riddled with name calling, conspiracy theories and foul language. It is reasonable to ask where your voice can be heard. It is absurd to think you will be regarded as credible if you talk trashy, dump on others’ opinions or spew hate.
So often, social media is used to further theories and disseminate misinformation because there is little oversight; no one is responsible for checking facts. Folks offer opinions based on knee-jerk feelings and fears. It feeds an environment of hate.
I am glad that this resident posted the information. Not because I enjoy reading comments from adults blindly disparaging each other, but because I think this is an opportunity to expand knowledge of procedure and personal power.
First, the Mason Valley Advisory Board is exactly that: It’s a small, citizen-based group that offers advice based on what they think and have heard from their constituents to the larger, official bodies who make concrete decisions about our county. Several Facebook posts questioned whether residents even have a voice. The MVAB is the first of several venues citizens can access to express concerns about this topic, or any other issue.
The MVAB is comprised of three Mason Valley residents (and if someone is eager to serve, one seat is currently vacant, according to the Lyon County website). The members are volunteers, and the board has no decision-making power regarding Lyon County contracts. The board may offer advice — hence the term “advisory” — but its job is to essentially take and report the temperature of the community regarding land use, services, budgets, taxes and other matters.
After the MVAB gathers opinions — which can be submitted via mail, email or presented in person at public, monthly meetings — the board passes along information that represents citizens’ views “in a fair and equitable manner” to Lyon County Commissioners. It is then up to the five elected county commissioners to vote on issues.
Community members may also voice concerns via snail mail, email or in person at commission meetings, which are open to the public. Meeting dates, agendas and contact information for each commissioner are available at the county website. Remember, the ultimate “voice” is your right to vote them in or out of office.
This is America. Citizens have multiple opportunities and channels to voice pros and cons on any matter. Please do so respectfully and without trashing your own cause.
Hiedi Andersen is a public relations consultant, writer and amateur photographer. She lives in Yerington, NV, and can be contacted at: hiediandersen3@gmail.com.
"Trash" - Google News
November 30, 2019 at 10:15AM
https://ift.tt/2L6DMuI
Trash talk tosses out powerful points - Reno Gazette Journal
"Trash" - Google News
https://ift.tt/33Uwgu2
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Trash talk tosses out powerful points - Reno Gazette Journal"
Post a Comment