'No substitution for face-to-face conversations'
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As one of the citizens that attended a Sterling and Potomac community outreach meeting, I am asking if you would remind residents to participate in one of the remaining meetings scheduled May 10 and May 14.
I attended the May 3 meeting with approximately 70 other residents. There is no substitution for face-to-face conversations. The ability to be able to ask questions, be educated on the approved plans for the community, to talk with and hear from our representatives, and be able to talk with other residents and realize that many others have the same concerns is truly priceless.
Another local newspaper took exception to funding these outreach sessions. I believe as well as many others that during a time of constrained funds, the time is right to get customer feedback. Businesses never view talking with their customers as a waste of money or question whether they will get a return on their investment. I believe these outreach forums gets to the heart of what makes democracy work well -- elected officials going to the citizens that they were elected to serve and have open conversations. These forums enable our supervisors to gain an understanding of our concerns and capture our ideas to help address problems as well as our ability to increase our knowledge about county issues. The kind of feedback that was provided at the meeting can never be gained by individual letters or e-mails.
Our local leaders have taken a bold step to engage with community members. I greatly appreciate Supervisor Delgaudio, Supervisor McGimsey, and Chairman York, for not only supporting this initiative, but participating in the meetings. Someone stated during the meeting that we have found our voice, and we need to encourage others to find their voices. As the gateway to Loudoun from the east, our community needs and deserves additional help. For the first time, I felt like my voice was heard. I hope that you will publish a reminder and support this effort of putting people first.
Sandra Smith
Sterling
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