Have you ever wondered where your taxes go, what they are used for or why they keep increasing? Why are our students going to school earlier in the year and getting out later? When will that pothole get fixed or the lanes expanded to prevent the morning road rage?
Growing up, I never understood why my parents were always concerned about these issues. Why they would write letters to the editor or attend local community meetings where maybe five people showed up on a good day. How was this helpful to them and the entire community? Now that I own my home, I can’t help but wonder why I still haven’t gotten involved in my local government, written letters to the editor or attended local decision-making meetings. I have concerns about my daily commute, safety, economic development opportunities and taxes. I should not and cannot rely on others to make MY voice heard and make my community a better place to live.
Take our great country for example. When the United States first formed, we did not have a federal government. In fact, our “states” were still considered commonwealths able to implement their own local regulations and policies. These in turn reflected the local communities’ ideals and priorities. Members had the opportunity to work with their local leaders to encourage change in policies to create a COMMUNITY for the common good. These opportunities STILL exist today, but surprisingly few community members take advantage of them.
Before we dive into the next piece of federal policy, let’s first take a step back and ask ourselves what we are doing to better our local community. The policies made by councilmen/women and county commissioners are going to have an immediate and lasting impact on the community compared to the slower pace of the federal government. Our local communities’ decisions have a much more direct effect on ordinary day-to-day activities compared to state and federal government. We have more opportunities to make our opinions, concerns and praises heard by our local elected officials. It is our duty to serve in the community where we live by becoming prominent leaders and active residents. Simply put, it is our responsibility to serve our neighbors to enhance our quality of life.
Some examples of ways to enhance your local community and make your voice heard include:
Find out who your state and local leaders are by visiting http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ and by exploring your local city and county government websites.
As the firm’s Government Affairs Associate, Taylor brings extensive knowledge in policy analysis and the creation of advocacy strategies that have proven successful. Her in-depth knowledge of the legislative process alongside her proven ability to form strong connections with key stakeholders provides an added layer of strategy and collaboration for high-level initiatives.
Taylor obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Prior to her tenure at RJL Solutions, Taylor held the Director of Legislative Affairs position in the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. Before that, she was a legislative assistant and, prior to that, a legislative intern. She also volunteers as co-director of a local pageant affiliated with the Miss America Organization.
