Entry 203 of 1039
By Think! Christiansburg On August 4, 2008 at 4:59 AM
Background
In September 2007 the T’s began blogging, to encourage Christiansburg residents to think about the affairs of the town – elections, business, economics, tourism, historic  preservation and development. We’ve encouraged Christiansburg residents to vote and attend public meetings.

To date, we have had some successes and some challenges. And, several voices have joined in to hold Christiansburg staff and government accountable for the operation of our town.

Evidence indicates we are making headway into the shadows. For example, there is now a copy of the adopted FY 08-09 budget on the town’s web site. (New readers may not realize what a huge deal that is, and since posting this we've been told it's a new state law required of localities which have a web presence.)

But we need to press on.

There’s the ongoing question of expense allocation between departments. How much are those pretty signs designating the new parking restrictions (reportedly in effect September 1) going to cost?  Council isn't talking yet about signage for the "antiques corridor" it designated last year.  Another example of why the budget remains a concern is because town officials are unable to provide actual gas expenses. 

Support is Growing
We passed the 1,000 regular-readers mark over the weekend and some have pressing questions of their own. Here is a sampling, posted as comments during the past few weeks. Please go back and look at the entries to understand the context; we’ve learned context is important.

“Didn't town buy software to do the payments online a couple of years ago? Why have to buy it again?” (Online Payments in Schools, But Not for Town Residents)

“Why over 10 years for a community pool that somehow transformed into a major sports venue?” (Are Family Reunions Taxing?)

“Since there will be no record of what was discussed or who attended these meetings, is it too much to hope a comprehensive report will be shared with all council meetings at a regular meeting?” (Ad Hoc Meeting Notices)

“What about the diesel fuel leak on Main Street from a school bus? Where did all of that go? How was it cleaned up?” (Priceless?)

Call To Action
Christiansburg (staff and elected representatives) must be required to answer these questions. Will the authors of these comments – and others who feel the same way – please come to the Planning Commission and Town Council meetings this week? Simply attending these meetings will remind our elected officials who they work for. If you are ready, you can ask questions during the Citizens Hearings portion of the meeting – which emphasize that reminder.

All of us need to be involved.

Christiansburg Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, August 4th @ 4 pm

Christiansburg Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 5th @ 7:30 pm