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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 - www.newssun.com/022713-ct-AP-web-poll