from BETSY HOLLAND

Democracy Looks Like

What Happened Here

To the Editor:

What does democracy look like?  It looks like the March 5 meeting of the Oneonta Common Council.  The public was invited to review Otsego Now’s plans to redevelop the D&H railyards and to respond publicly.

Democracy looks like engaged citizens who participate in decisions that will impact their lives and their communities.

Citizens read and reviewed the proposed generic redevelopment plan.  They took time to consider the impact this plan might have on the health, environment and safety of their community.  They formed questions.  They researched the issues.  They collected data.  They wrote clear, well-thought out questions and raised concerns. They offered suggestions for use of the area.

The responsibility of democracy was taken seriously.  Responses were delivered in a respectful manner.  Those in the audience listened, respectfully.  This is what democracy looks like.

This may not have been the public response that was preferred by Mayor Herzig, but this is what democracy looks like.  Engaged, active citizens who take responsibility to consider issues and take a public stand on those issues is essential to democracy.  Public discourse is the backbone of democracy.

What does democracy look like?  This is what democracy looks like!

BETSY HOLLAND

Oneonta