Too often we don't find out about decisions until they are implemented. In order to be more open, please do the following:
1. Define what OPEN means to you. At what point in the process is "open" achieved? Before decisions are made? After they are made but before they are implemented? During implementation? What are you trying to achieve with the openness? More buy-in after the fact? Or for people to feel better about policies implemented? Or better policies? I suspect the latter due to the process you've started here.
2. If it IS the latter, then you need to find a way for every day Americans (citizens) to sit in on and participate in the process. I am not sure consensus is always the best way for all types of decision making processes. For example, someone unemployed and without health care will have strong needs an opinions that won't coincide with those (necessarily) of someone who has a well paying job and different needs. It's a simple MASLOW principle. So for example, health care laws which need to be totally rewritten in my opinion, will have different types of teams formed based on participant needs.
Establish a process to draw in people from different needs. Allow them to actually be PAID for their time, too. That would be great for everyone. How about setting aside funds for public participation? This way, someone unemployed could actually earn a little money while they learn about the government, and help their plight and the plight of others in the same situation.
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I concur with the bulk of the recommendation. However, I don't agree with the compensation position, as it is written. I don't think we have to be compensated for civic engagement. But, I do recognize why the recommendation was made. Therefore, I offer the following counter: consider reimbursing people for expenses incurred to participate in the process. Note: my reimbursement proposal is not a universal recommendation, thus I'm not advocating for wholesale reimbursement.
PAID for their time being a citizen? SEE Acorn? Hello?
Tolynette,
Please provide some insight into your posted questions. I'm familiar with ACORN, however, please clarify why you have referenced this organization.
Thank you.
Surplus money: Google CAFR1 then you will see where the money is. also called The Biggest Game in Town.