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AP council considers an online continuing poll By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY christopher.tuffley@newssun.com AVON PARK -- Monday night City Councilor Garrett Anderson proposed the city begin a website poll. Anderson's goal is to increase and quicken communication between city residents and city hall. "We work for the people," Garrett said. "We have to know what people are thinking. Sometimes we've got to find out so we can take action already." He added that a poll would be easier and more convenient for residents than attending meetings. While other counselors were interested and open to listening, they also had specific concerns. Mayor Sharon Schuler, for example, wondered how to make the poll accessible only to city residents. She worried about outside interference, and how the site would be monitored. Terry Heston worried about cost. More than one member was concerned that yet another task would fall to an already stretched city staff. "I'd like to hear more," said Parke Sutherland, adding County Commissioner Don Elwell has used the Internet successfully to keep in touch with his constituents. At the same time he shared Schuler's concerns. "We don't want the staff or council to have to spend any time on this," he said. In answer to concerns about vulgar language or repeated rants by one person, Anderson said, "This is not confrontation; it's a step back method, and a much cheaper way to get comments then using mail-outs." The council agreed the idea was worth exploring, but that their concerns had to be put to rest. City Manager Julian Deleon was asked to look into possibilities. "Maybe a poll's the place to start," Schuler said.  poll (by: Oh yeah - 2/28/2013) It appears that most of the comments are from the same crowd. If you have to put your REAL name on a poll then your opinion should count. The same crowd is controlling this site. Kind of funny. People are still talking around town, people still knows who thinks what. Making a difference (by: alexis - 2/27/2013) Barely any residents showed up for the most important vote ever made in Avon Park. It was to farm out the Police Department. What makes anyone think that a silly little poll will make a difference? Get real Mr Anderson. The will of the people is when they dont vote. polling (by: tizzy - 2/27/2013) Just reading the blog below is reason enough to never use a poll on as website as a standard source of community input. One sided comments with anonymous tag lines. If the names of those placing comments in a poll, or voting for this or that are public record, then you will never have a good sampling of the community, based on everyone knowing everyone and potential of losing business if a council person doesnt like your opinion or other citizens not liking your opinion. In this economy (any economy) no can afford to lose customers. Besides, the same people will poll time after time and again, no real sampling of a community. The only way to be accurate is to go the tried and true method: Go to Council meeting, get involved and voice your opinion in public at a podium like everyone else does. If you are too busy to go to a council meeting than pick up the phone and call one of your friends on the council to do your favor. claim racism? (by: Count me out on poll - 2/27/2013) No. Not all people have internet. Not all people have computers. Go to any house on S. Verona, S Delaney, S Carolina, Lacey Hill and knock on doors. It is the poor in Avon Park are African-American and they dont even have jobs. Not even McDonalds can hire all the poor either. So for the few that do work, then yes, but not the majority of the poor who are old and dont even have a car. If their neighbors or friends can't drive them, then they cant even get to the supermarket. It is racist. Maybe not on purpose but at the end of the day it really is because the ones who have the most to lose are the ones that have the lesser means to say what they want. You know this to be true and you will say that someone will claim its racist. I am lucky I have a computer, but none of the older people in Avon Park have one and they are the ones that really get out to vote. Arent those elected to office the ones that represent us? I am fine with that. and if I dont like them, then I dont vote for them when it comes time. That is really the only vote that really counts. poll (by: twitter fan - 2/27/2013) So happy to see the council getting into the modern technology age. This is what happens when young, new, blood gets involved. It's fresh, exciting and moving forward. Good job Anderson! poll (by: NOt blind nor stumped - 2/27/2013) When can we vote!! We watch the council meetings and would love to respond. There seems to be a ton of undertones from the old gang. Glad for fresh ideas!!!!! Yea AP! (by: AP gal - 2/27/2013) Anderson makes a good point about the poll. The average citizen wants their opinion to count too!!!!! Coming Up Next On As AP Turns (by: Please Vote Now - 2/26/2013) "LETS TAKE A POLL" I will tell you what I want (by: blogger - 2/26/2013) So if 3 people respond to a blog it must be a mandate! Say what? (by: not blind - 2/26/2013) Did I hear anderson correctly say that he had a friend that would set the polling idea up? Isnt that like the cookie monster guarding the cookie jar? I mean, he would pick and choose what people would read? Just dont get it (by: just sayin - 2/26/2013) This report states nothing about the stupid vote Anderson casted against protecting our children from tobacco use. he is OK to agree to selling candy flavored tobacco to kids. My health insurance is high because of the cost of healthcare and tobacco is a contributing factor to those rising costs. no rocket science here. and no common sense either. fool.  Small Banner Ads |
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