Abbott for Mayor

COMMITMENT TO OPEN GOVERNMENT

“Transparency” vs. “open government” 

            It seems every candidate these days talks about “transparency”.  There is nothing wrong with transparency, letting the people see what government has done.  It is necessary.  However, I think we can do better than transparency and that would be to promote “open government”. 

            To me, “transparency” lets people see what government has done.  “Open government”, on the other hand, lets the residents into the decision making process and makes them full partners in governing.  It’s letting the residents have input so that the Village staff and elected officials can accomplish the people’s goals.

             As Mayor, I would start by creating Citizen Advisory Boards. I would immediately create a Senior Advisory Board made up of seniors in the community, which would let us know how we can better serve the needs of seniors. 

            I would also create a “Reinventing Government” Board, which would involve residents in looking at all government operations, flow charts and budgeting, to find better ways of delivering government services. 

            As Mayor, I look forward to forging a better partnership between residents and their government. Citizens Advisory Boards would be a good first start. 

Greg