Guest post by Eric Heard
The concept of bringing government back to the people is discussed on a daily basis throughout democratic nations. There is still the feeling that this cannot be done. This is far from the truth. There is still that right to make a decision for what you believe in, who you want to represent you and how you want the government to be run. The vote enables a majority to rule a democracy.
There is not a better place to rally the VOTE than in the civic leagues of our great city. Yet, most of our residents are reluctant to exercise their inalienable right to make a difference.
The Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues is an organization that has been around since 1959. The purpose of NFCL is very similar today as it was then. Some of the issues dealt with was promoting our communities, directing local issues to the right agencies, communicating openly with our elected officials, improving our schools and making our families safe. Sound familiar?
As our citizens embark on a new era both socially and economically, it become even more imperative that we work together as a team to at least have a voice in our municipal endeavors and future.
Your local civic league is at the forefront of activity. Pledging your support in whatever way you are able will make your civic league powerful in it’s own right. By powerful, I mean, your civic league will have the clout to hold politicians and agencies, responsible for their actions.
The unification of civic leagues throughout Norfolk enables a venue for residents to be exposed to the agencies, policies and officials of our city. It is a family of neighboring citizens that support and share knowledge and experience in a myriad of local issue. The NFCL also assist communities in creating a civic league.
The Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues is geared up to meet the new and seemingly insurmountable issues of our great city. Please come join us and support us. EVERYONE is welcome. Please call 757.963.6996 for more information.
Eric Heard is a member of the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues. The NFCL is sponsoring a city-wide candidates’ forum on April 8, 2010 at Granby High School, beginning at 7pm.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
This is a great post and truly reiterates the fact that “All politics is local”. So many of us only vote, take action, etc during federal elections yet fail to take notice of our own backyard. Thanks Mr. Heard for a timely reminder.
Part of the reason that the government, at the national level any way, is out of touch with the people is that when the nation was founded, the Constitution required that “The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand.” Now, of course, we have about one for every 700,000.
What we need to do is break up each district into 20 districts, so we have about 8700 represenatives, each representing about 35,000 people.
With current technology, there is no reason for them to be in DC to conduct their business. They can remain in their local offices and do their business via teleconference and “gotomeetings”. If they really need to all be in the same place, they can rent out the Verizon Center.
This scenario also has the advantage of spreading the lobbyists mighty thin!! (And diluting the power of individuals congressmen, which is why it will never happen.)
Warren,
I’ve heard about the idea of making the Congressmen vote from their local community instead of congregating in DC. Although we’d have to see how debates would be conducted (debate via teleconferencing perhaps?), I do agree its a fantastic concept. It has the potential of bringing the power back to the citizens and away from the corruptive influence of a centralized and far-removed DC lobbying bloc.
– James Quigley
jamesquigley4congress@gmail.com
jamesquigley4congress.com
jamesquigley4congress.blogspot.com