The first public engagement meetings will be held Monday to discuss the preliminary recommendations of the Consensus commission on local government modernization. Public opinion could play a large role in determining just how government will serve residents in the future.
Commission members emphasize their report is not final, but rather a starting point for further community discussion. Monday’s meetings are the first of several over the next six weeks where residents can learn more about dozens of recommendations to improve service delivery and reduce costs. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner says it’s a way to have a conversation about priorities…
"It's a healthy discussion. I've been mayor for seven years, and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who's been more open in embracing new ideas in innovation and different ways of looking at things. Something as important as this...people need to think about it, they need to read about it, they need to ask questions because the details matter."
And there are a plenty of details…83 pages worth, on everything from shared maintenance of roads and a common recordkeeping system….to consolidated fire protection and metropolitan governance. the effort has caught the attention of good government group Common Cause New York. executive director Susan Lerner says the commission is a tribute to Syracuse’s admirable civic engagement culture…
"I'm not aware of a process as lengthy and deliberative as this one. That's why we're really interested in seeing how it unfolds, and being sure it provides a really good model for other locations to really be sure everybody's voice is heard."
Consensus commission member Sharon Owens echoes that sentiment. She wants those who feel they haven’t been heard to lend their voices to this important discussion.
"Here's an opportunity for us to take advantage of the many diverse conversations and opinions that can be a part of this process. I encourage you, I implore you, don't assume anything. Read the document. There are so many different recommendations and options for our community. And I will see you at the Southwest Community Center Monday at 6:00."
Monday’s other meeting will be held at the DeWitt Community Library at Shoppingtown Mall, also at 6 p.m. The public comment period continues through March 16th. Consensus plans to release a final report based on the public input by the end of April.
