"Cheers, Mr. Answer Person!"

(Benji Nichols of Decorah has responded to comments by Mr. Answer Person about people who complain about city government--but don't do anything)

"In a recent response to a reader's question on the number of Decorah residents who responded to a City Survey, Mr. Answer Person said:

"Many people in the survey complained about feeling left out of the loop about the decisions made by the Decorah City Council--but city council meetings rarely have members of the public in attendance to state their opinions.  If people want change, they can't just complain "Taxes are too high" while drinking coffee or another beverage!"

Amen, MR. A.P.! I have personally spent the last 7 years on the Decorah Planning and Zoning Commission - as chair the past 3. The work that is done by volunteer commissions, and the city council, is often non-exhilarating, thankless, and draining. It is the rare occasion that public meetings are well attended, and then only if there is a direct point in play. But decisions are made at countless city meetings that affect the direction of everything from street signs - to the future of what our city should look like. In the case of planning and zoning, day-to-day actions are taken, as well as long-view plans  created, which are put in place, followed by code review and recommendations to the City Council for changes that reach far into the future.

You can and should be a part of these processes. Volunteering on a committee is a great way serve the city and our region - in fact, Decorah Planning & Zoning has an opening immediately, and anyone over the age of 18 that is a resident of Decorah (within City Limits) can apply at City Hall. If that is too much of a commitment, consider attending a commission or city council meeting in the near future. Agendas are posted on-line as well as at City Hall in the front entry. It most likely will not the most exciting hour (or two) you'll spend, but you may learn or add to the process in a productive way. I often like to say that City Government is the process of someone showing up to make decisions - might as well be you, right?

Cheers Mr. Answer person - now about that beverage!"