(Sept. 24, 2015) In response to public suggestions made during Berlin government’s strategic planning sessions held earlier this year, several councilmembers have committed to meeting directly with their constituents.
The “Walks with Elected Officials” initiative began earlier this month, with District 2 Councilmember Lisa Hall hosting a “walk” at Buckingham Elementary School on Sept. 16.
Turnout, she said, was less than ideal.
“Nobody showed up, so I just ended up talking to people as they came out of the PTA meeting,” she said. “The place was full and I just greeted them as they came out.”
Hall said she would attend the next three walks with other councilmembers and “see what happens.”
District 4 Councilmember Dean Burrell will meet with his constituency on Oct. 10 at 7:15 a.m. in Henry Park.
Burrell was tight-lipped as to why his walk was the only one scheduled during the morning.
“I would suggest that, if folks are interested, just come and see,” Burrell said. “I will explain everything that morning.”
During the meeting, Burrell said he planned to listen as much as talk.
“I have a couple of issues that I would like to throw out to the public, and, of course, I always want to hear what the folks have to say,” he said. “Here in the town of Berlin we value their input and we want to hear not only their concerns, but their ideas of how this town should be governed and how we should go.”
District 1 Councilmember Troy Purnell will hold a walk on Oct. 7 at the Berlin Fire Company at 6 p.m., followed by District 3 Councilmember Elroy Brittingham on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Purnell, for his part, said he was planning to wing it.
“I don’t have any plans,” he said. “[I’ll do] pretty much whatever anybody wants to talk about or see or do.
“This just came out of the strategic planning session, and someone suggested there be a walk around the district,” Purnell added. “Whatever they need, I’m all ears.”
Purnell said the meeting didn’t even necessarily have to be a “walk.”
“I have no presentation,” he said. “I’m there to listen. Whatever the people want to do.”
The “Walks with Elected Officials” initiative began earlier this month, with District 2 Councilmember Lisa Hall hosting a “walk” at Buckingham Elementary School on Sept. 16.
Turnout, she said, was less than ideal.
“Nobody showed up, so I just ended up talking to people as they came out of the PTA meeting,” she said. “The place was full and I just greeted them as they came out.”
Hall said she would attend the next three walks with other councilmembers and “see what happens.”
District 4 Councilmember Dean Burrell will meet with his constituency on Oct. 10 at 7:15 a.m. in Henry Park.
Burrell was tight-lipped as to why his walk was the only one scheduled during the morning.
“I would suggest that, if folks are interested, just come and see,” Burrell said. “I will explain everything that morning.”
During the meeting, Burrell said he planned to listen as much as talk.
“I have a couple of issues that I would like to throw out to the public, and, of course, I always want to hear what the folks have to say,” he said. “Here in the town of Berlin we value their input and we want to hear not only their concerns, but their ideas of how this town should be governed and how we should go.”
District 1 Councilmember Troy Purnell will hold a walk on Oct. 7 at the Berlin Fire Company at 6 p.m., followed by District 3 Councilmember Elroy Brittingham on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Purnell, for his part, said he was planning to wing it.
“I don’t have any plans,” he said. “[I’ll do] pretty much whatever anybody wants to talk about or see or do.
“This just came out of the strategic planning session, and someone suggested there be a walk around the district,” Purnell added. “Whatever they need, I’m all ears.”
Purnell said the meeting didn’t even necessarily have to be a “walk.”
“I have no presentation,” he said. “I’m there to listen. Whatever the people want to do.”