Participating in government
Although often undervalued and under reported, local government has the most significant impact on citizens’ lives.
The outcome of a County Commission or City Council vote on sales tax, road projects, or water facilities impacts citizens daily. Every time a citizen purchases a soda, they could pay an increased tax.
That tax might go to reconstructing a local highway, which can change traffic patterns. Even inaction on repairing storm water systems could create major damage during a later hurricane.
These impacts make it essential that citizens pay as much, if not more attention, to the decisions of their local officials. Fortunately, the Internet has made easier for individuals to monitor how and when these decisions are made.
Most local governing bodies in the Tampa Bay area stream their meetings live and retain a video archive of meetings online.
In this assignment, students will watch the January 27th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Transportation Workshop, which is available at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ESXoCntL4 (Links to an external site.)
A BOCC Workshop is an opportunity for the Commissioners to gain information and ask questions about a specific topic and ask questions. Generally, no formal action is taken during a workshop.
After watching the video, students will write an essay that addresses the following prompts.
Provide background on the Hillsborough BOCC, including the names and a brief background of the sitting members. Professional backgrounds can be brief. (1-2 paragraphs)
Explain the purpose of the meeting and why it is important to the citizens of Hillsborough County. (1-2 paragraphs)
Provide a summary of the meeting (3 or more paragraphs), including:
Who presented
What information they provided
What topics the commissioners seemed to feel were most relevant
Any information you believed to be the most important or surprising
Note what question you thought was the most insightful or surprising
Close with a summary of how you believed this information is or is not relevant. Include a question you would ask the presenters and/or the Commissioners if you had the opportunity. (1-2 paragraphs)
Ensure to provide proper citations for all information that is not your own observation. For instance, the Commissioner’s backgrounds will probably be pulled from outside resources.
An electronic copy should be submitted through Canvas by the due date. The written assignment will be subject to anti-plagiarism software. The written assignment should adhere to the following general structure.