CityWatch Launches How Local Government Works Workshop

Organizers want residents to have the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of what goes on at city hall and in all of government Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - "Democratic government thrives on citizen participation, " says CityWatch President Mary Kamppi. "While campaigning for pro-community ideas and candidates, our members report there's an awful lot of apathy out there."

Hosted by the South East Salem Neighborhood Association (SESNA) the workshop is designed to give participants insight into how local government works. More importantly, it will help participants connect community issues to the right department in local government. Community resources in support of civic engagement will also be provided.

It happens Thursday, April 13th. The CityWatch workshop starts at 8:00 PM, following the SESNA General Meeting, which begins at 7:00 PM. At 6:30 PM, there will be a tour of the new Bush School at 410 14th Street SE, at the corner of 14th and Bellevue.

Hosted by CityWatch for SESNA and NEN neighbors, this workshop is offered to anyone interested in knowing how local government works.

A workshop presenter, former city council president Bill Smaldone, says, "My experience on council taught me a lot about how local government is supposed to work. I realized more must be done to inform citizens about local government and ways to get it to work for them."

Another workshop presenter, former three-term Salem Mayor Mike Swaim agrees, "Citizens know instinctively that government is supposed to serve them. Hopefully this workshop will bridge the gap between that knowledge and the need for action."