??? So Many Questions ???

When the Springdale Community Forum began, our goal was quite specific; to take over the running of Candidates Night from town staff. The staff's response to our request was extremely enthusiastic, they offered their assistance, and we dug in.

When we began asking residents to submit questions for the candidates, our expectations were modest — we figured we might get a maximum of 15-20 questions. In a couple of weeks, we have received over 110 questions! The questions are well thought out, considerate, detailed, designed to elicit thoughtful, intelligent responses from the candidates. I am so proud to live in a community where so many individuals care about their town, the issues, and the candidates running for election.

This is how things are supposed to work. An engaged, educated community, voting on a selection of qualified candidates for Town Council and Mayor of Springdale. But what happens after Candidates Night and the election is over? The nature (and sheer number!) of the questions posed by residents speaks to an emerging fact — the community has a voice and wants to exercise that voice. They want to share their opinions, suggestions, questions, ideas…the community wants to be heard. So, we have decided that the Springdale Community Forum is going to continue to operate after the election. We intend to schedule events designed to facilitate the respectful, thought-provoking, civil dialogue between elected officials and the residents of Springdale. Quarterly Moderated Town Hall type events where residents may publicly engage directly with the Town Council and the Mayor with their questions, concerns, and thoughts about the issues facing Springdale.

I hope the Springdale Community Forum can effect small changes resulting in a cultural shift. More people showing up to events. More people asking questions. More people volunteering. More people getting educated in town matters. More people caring about their community. More people who believe they can make a difference by simply showing up.

We are counting on you to show up on Thursday evening at 6:00PM for Candidates Night at the Canyon Community Center.

The Springdale Community Forum is here to ensure that the voice of the community, which has proven to be loud and intelligent, continues to be heard by its elected leaders.