In our current political climate, where there is often so much division and hostility, many say, “Well, what can you do?” And while that might be true for national or global politics, you do have the power to do something for topics you care about on a local level.
Last month I wrote about food carts in Tualatin, and I received lots more feedback than I normally do. The majority were really good suggestions, but I’m not in any position to do anything to make change. In all cases I wrote back, “Good idea. You should present it to City Council.” And that’s typically where the motivation to be an advocate dies.
This has been a pattern since my early days when I used to publish Tualatin Life. Many very well-intentioned people would offer suggestions, point out flaws, needed improvements, and peeves of all types, but rarely take the necessary steps to actually create change, or at least seriously attempt it.
Tualatin City Council meets twice a month, the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7pm. Each meeting has a public comment time, at which you can speak freely to City Councilors about your concerns. You simply fill out a “Speaker Request Form” and hand it to City staff, and voila, your voice will be heard. Be prepared to spit it out rather quickly, because you’ll have three minutes to say your piece.
That’s how things start. While nothing tends to move too quickly with city bureaucracies, one must start somewhere, and this is as good a place as any. I’ve been to many city council meetings over the years, and they do listen. Our city council is caring and attentive and truly wants to hear from you.
Clearly the food cart topic hits a nerve with many residents. I notice how often it is talked about on local Facebook pages, and as I mentioned, the response to my July article was strong and immediate. People have plenty to say about it to be sure, but where you say it and how you say it can make a huge difference.
You want food carts? You want changes? Advocate for them. It might be a great way to work with friends and neighbors to shape your city more towards your liking.
I encourage you, by yourself or with neighbors, to test the waters of City Council and become an advocate for an issue you care about. For more information about City Council meetings, you can view their website at tualatinoregon.gov/city-council, and you can watch them live on Cable Access Channel 28 or stream it on the city’s website.
