Washblog

This meeting is being held with the expectation of a low turn out. One of my primary pledges in campaigning was to raise public awareness about the district's activities for the purpose of increasing public participation and involvement. That is why it is important to show up. You need to be a part of shaping the spending plan by voicing your concerns, and at least see what the District is planning to do with your tax dollars and also see who the regular players (groups and organizations that regularly benefit from this money and get their projects funded) are. This is the only public hearing I am aware of where it is possible to address the district personally. I would suggest if nothing more, many residents at least give voice to the desire to have an aggressive marketing plan to raise public awareness in the densely populated areas of Pierce County so that people are aware that the district exists, what it does, exactly where the money is going, when they are drafting spending plans so the public can show up and also give input. This money is not for organizations only, but if the public doesn't get involved that is exactly who will continue to benefit the most from a program that everyone is paying for.

Please do your best to show up, since a good turn-out will send a message to the District that the public is interested and will get involved if they are properly informed. If you cannot make it, please email your letters to me personally, so that I can take them in and be sure they are presented at the time the "friends" have their emails read. Also, if you are not able to make it, please contact others and try to get them to show up and reiterate that the public is interested in being involved all of the time. Suggest a subsequent public hearing so that all have more time to make a more educated presentation or proposal as to what they would like to see from the District. It wouldn't hurt to suggest the time be convenient for those who work until 5pm, perhaps a 6:30 or 7pm public hearing to hear from the public and not merely a select few who already have a close relationship with the district. I need all of the public support I can get. I would like to pack the place. If you are able to get involved, please come, whether you are an environmental activist, a person who is committed to monitoring government and insistent on open public meetings, proper public notification and governmental accountability, or simply someone who likes to know what is happening in their area with their tax dollars. I encourage Pierce County residents to show up. If you are being taxed toward a fund in excess of a million dollars, it is your right and responsibility to follow the money.

The meeting is at the Pierce Conservation District, 1011 East Main #106, Puyallup WA 98372 on Thursday evening, May 11th, starting at 5pm. Please park and enter at the rear of the building. You may email me personally at rose_ehart@qwest.net

Thank you!