As we hunker down in our homes or on our boats, local leaders meet in communities across Alaska via teleconference to adapt and respond to the day-by-day changes in our world. Funding and orders originate with the feds, detour through the States where they become mandates, and end up in City governments where your elected neighbors translate them into a local gameplan. How can they protect their community and you? Do their neighbors agree with that approach? Can that person with the dog and the kids please, for the love of all that is good, mute their phone when they're not talking!? Is Bill really eating on Zoom right now? Turn off your camera, Bill. The button on the bottom of the screen, Bill. Yes, that one, Bill! But I digress.
Your city council works together with the Mayor and city employees to plan and implement the local response you see every day. With limited exceptions for very small, rural communities without trauma centers, they have to work within the laws and mandates released by the State of Alaska as well as city codes and ordinances. Many local governments are working through complex issues right now that will affect your life and fishery for at least the next few months.
Here are a few ways you can stay informed:
Follow your city or village's social media account or check their website to get notices about public meetings.
If your community stood up an emergency operations center, follow their updates on social media or check their website.
Tune into local radio for news coverage on the highlights from public meetings.
Read the posted agenda and decide if you want to weigh in during public testimony.
Tune into local radio coverage of City Council meetings or call in.
Tips on Public Testimony:
Write down your comments, including your introduction.
Begin by thanking the Council for their work and time.
Share your name and connection to the community.
Be aware of the time limit, and plan your comments accordingly.
Be respectful, honest, solution-oriented, and to the point.
Personal attacks are almost never productive. Though it may feel satisfying to call someone out, resist that urge. You'll have better luck getting buy-in on your idea if you go in with a collaborative approach.
I have always found public processes to be appreciative of public engagement. It's oftentimes messy, and people disagree, but our government is basically one big group project. So, cut them some slack and pitch in to help where you can. Take care of yourselves and each other, fish people.
Please email Jamie@akmarine.org with any questions about or suggestions for Mug Update.
