About two years ago, one of the two surviving newspaper finally assigned a reporter to cover the Christiansburg beat. That in itself was news because this town's "doings" had been deemed too insignificant before. Plus, getting information from the Christiansburg Town Hall was a real chore, as well as trying to build relationships with officials who saw interactions with any media -types as a threat or chore.
At that time the other local paper had a reporter who had recently retired. So the timing was good because otherwise there would have been no traditional news reporting at all. But then that second newpaper's reporter also retired, leaving coverage as hit or miss depending on what might show up on a formal agenda. It was also hit or miss as regards the knowledge and experience of the reporter, and whether they knew the history or significance of items being discussed, or if an editor would just print the barest of details.
Subsequently, several individuals started acting as "citizen journalists" via various blogs -- with mixed long-term results. One outcome of this trend is that nearly every traditional media source (television and newspaper) now actively solicits stories, articles and photographs from any individual. That sure saves on personnel costs, but does nothing to add to the richness or depth of getting pertinent information to the public, especially as regards reporting on the actions of those charged with managing our democratic government.
Christiansburg leaders have made some modest steps to improve communicating with town residents. This includes a revamped web site (which remains underutilized) and compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act -- including timely release of public agendas, including notification of committee or board meetings.
Citizens who signed up for Christiansburg e-alerts or public meetings via the revamped web site would have been informed of the following events last week:
The Cemetery Committee was scheduled to meet at 3 pm on Monday, Nov. 16th. This is relevant as management of Sunset Cemetery recently transitioned to the town, and some past recommendations have already drawn fire. One hour before the stated meeting time, another notice was sent out indicating it had been canceled and would be rescheduled.
Also on that same date, the appointed Planning Commission was scheduled to meet at 4 pm. Their agenda can be read here.
Town Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Nov. 17th at 7:30 pm and the agenda can be read here.
The most common issues before council are not providing services, such as safety (fire, rescue, police or recreation) nor fiscal management (tax rates, fee schedules, economic development, revenues and expenses, or planning) - rather revolve around zoning and land use. And sometimes, even when something is zoned for a by-right use, there's a curve in the pitch. Sometimes when it relates to a service, there's a disconnect from the actual percent of citizens being served or what the related cost-benefit is in exchange for taxpayer outlay.
Any citizen who has a question or concern about anything specific to the town is encouraged to call their council members. Speak with each of them as they all represent every citizen, not just certain neighborhoods, districts or special interests. Then attend a meeting or two to see where the time and attention is focused, and whether this promotes the vision stated in a recent document or that found in an old document. Always feel free to respectfully address council in public during the Citizen Hearings portion of each meeting. Then you can assess if you have received a respectful response, or determine if these officials have objectives and goals aligned to your wishes.
If you can't fully see or understand Christiansburg government, imagine what you're missing on the county, state and federal level.