Politics & Government
Strengthening the Lines of Communication
Here are some ways to improve communications between residents and their representatives.
One of my main promises when I ran for office was to open up communications between the people and their representatives. I’ve come up with a few ways that I want to share and welcome your suggestions.
OFFICE HOURS
Beginning Jan 1st I will be available at the City Hall on Tuesday, from 2 pm to 5 pm for anyone to come by. You can make an appointment or just stop by and chat.
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MINI TOWN HALLS
I hope to attend meetings of our HOAs throughout the City where I can meet citizens, talk to their Boards, and listen to their concerns. If you belong to an HOA, talk to your Board and ask them to invite me to come. If I’m able, I hope to bring along at least one other Council member.
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LAKE FOREST TOWN SQUARE
I created a Facebook (FB) Page to be used for residents to talk about important issues in general and specifically those coming before the Council.
This will be a closed group FB page, meaning that you will have to apply to be accepted. The only requirement is that you be a Lake Forest resident.
I plan to post agenda items that you can discuss with me and with each other (Subject to the Brown Act).
Go to Facebook and type in - Lake Forest Town Square. Be sure to pick the one from California. There is also a Lake Forest in Illinois.
MEET AND LISTEN
During the campaign they have “Meet and Greet” sessions designed for residents to learn more about the candidates. I want to start a “Meet and Listen” process in which I attend your group meetings and learn more about YOU and how the City can serve your needs and desires.
Last week I attended meetings of the Kiwanis, the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, and Soroptimists International of Laker Forest. I was familiar with SILF (my wife is on the Board) but not as familiar with Kiwanis and the Chamber, so these meetings were particularly enlightening.
If you have a group whose focus is Lake Forest, I would love to attend one of your meetings and learn what you’re about and if there are any issues that I can help you with.
Send me an e-mail at DrJGardner@yahoo.com or post on Lake Forest Town Square.
MORE COMING
I have a few other ideas I’m working on to strengthen the lines of communication between the residents and the Council, and I’m working out the kinks right now.
Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. You can use the Lake Forest Town Square.
