Feb
26
Thank you, Thomas Jefferson
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”
“Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”
“For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead.”
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.“
Hizzoner:
Thank you for your post, and your kind words.
I agree wholeheartedly with your points. That is precisely why I frequently take it upon myself to provide a brief introduction to ordinances and resolutions prior to the Village Council voting on them, so that those in the audience or watching from home have a better idea of the nature of the matter that is before the Council. Often times, even a careful student of Village Council proceedings would have little idea what business is being transacted, much less the casual observer who likely did not see the prior week’s workshop meeting where the item was first discussed. I have asked more than once for the agenda item descriptions to be expanded and put in to “layperson’s†terms prior to being voted upon, but there has been less improvement than I would like. Moreover, when I provide such verbal descriptions, some grow impatient with my loquaciousness.
Nevertheless, I continue to think it important that we –- as your elected representatives — provide constituents with every opportunity to understand the nature of the business that comes before the Village. Therefore, I will explain what I feel is unclear, and think it a worthwhile investment of time to do so.
In this regard, I very much appreciate your encouragement.
Best regards,
Martin T. Tully
Commissioner
Village of Downers Grove
801 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.707.8315
mtully@downers.us