As a citizen, it is your duty to voice your opinions to your elected representatives. You can influence our government by persuading members of your local and state government to take action regarding a cause/issue you have strong feelings about.
According to the Georgia Constitution of 83 there are 16 different services that the local government in Georgia can provide.
Police and fire protection
Garbage and solid waste collection and disposal
Public health facilities and services
Street and road construction and maintenance
Parks, recreational areas, programs, and facilities
Storm-water and sewage collection and disposal systems
Development, storage, treatment, purification, and distribution of water
Public housing/public transportation
Libraries, archives, and arts and sciences programs and facilities
Terminal and dock facilities and parking facilities
Codes, including building, housing, plumbing, and electrical
Air-quality control
The creation, modification, and maintenance of retirement or pension systems for local government employees
Planning, zoning, and community redevelopment
The 1993 law added to this list electric or gas utility services and street lighting, for a total of sixteen municipal services.
Objective:
Demonstrate how to responsibly participate in government and use knowledge of government structure and funding to conduct research surrounding the issue to write a letter to your local representative making them aware of the issue and proposing a possible solution
Complete:
You will write a letter to a local official drawing their attention to the issue and asking for their support.
All government services cost money. Your issue will cost money to address it. Your issue will use resources to research the possible sources of revenue that are available to pay for government services.
Research your local community government websites and determine what departments, boards, or committees could address your issue
Dear [Local Official],
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that is of great importance to me and many other members of our community. Recently, there has been a concerning increase in crime rates in our neighborhood, particularly in regards to break-ins and vandalism. This has left many residents feeling unsafe and insecure in their own homes.
As a concerned citizen, I am reaching out to you to ask for your support in addressing this issue. It is crucial that our local government takes action to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. I believe that increased funding for police and fire protection services is necessary to combat the rising crime rates in our community.
I have done some research and have identified that the Department of Public Safety and the Police Department could potentially address this issue. By allocating more resources to these departments, we can increase patrols in our neighborhood and deter criminal activity. Additionally, investing in community outreach programs and neighborhood watch initiatives could help strengthen community ties and create a sense of unity among residents.
I understand that funding government services can be a complex issue, but I urge you to consider the safety and security of our community as a top priority. I believe that by working together, we can find a solution to address this pressing issue and make our neighborhood a safer place for all residents.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can best address this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]