If one of your resolutions this new year is to get more involved with your community, specifically local government, here are 3 things you can do right now.
Read local news.
First, you need to know what’s going on.
The Bellingham Herald is a great place to get the headlines.
Whatcom Scanner shows what law enforcement officers are dealing with today.
Bellingham Politics and Economics, Politics Whatcom, and The Northwest Citizen will give you a little more depth and commentary each with its own particular bias and slant.
Show up.
Many of the important decisions are made in council meetings—either City or County—which you can attend. You don’t need an invitation. There’s often time set aside for public comments. Make one if you like, or just go and listen. There’s no better way to learn what’s going on than to be there in person.
Can’t make it? No big deal. The meeting agenda is available in advance (on the city’s and county’s website) and the meetings are televised by BTV (channel 10.)
Ask lots of questions.
If you hear something that you don’t understand, ask about it. Ask everyone. Ask anyone. Collect as many perspectives as you can so that you can see every issue from multiple sides.
Bellingham has a very engaged citizenry, so you’ll be in good company.