Listen to that note:
It is always easier to have an opinion when you understand what is going on. A new standard of communication from elected officials in the San Mateo County is helping precisely with that.
On the evening of April 30, San Mateo County District 2 Supervisor Noelia Corzo held a community dinner at the San Mateo Public Library to update constituents on policy priorities.
Supervisor Corzo's office gathered feedback from residents over the past ten months and how they have built a strategic plan to guide their district's policy moving forward.
Supervisor Corzo’s team used a community-centered approach to canvass the community’s most important issues. Residents stated that their top priorities were affordable housing and child care, safety and emergency services, and mental well-being.
In response, Supervisor Corzo spoke of a commitment to affordable housing, community safety and well-being, equity, justice and representation for all.
Listening intently were community members, from county officials to council members and residents. Over a spread of Cuban food, listeners had the opportunity to ask questions about the policy approach.
Democracy is more than just electing a person and expecting them to solve all our problems. It is about community representation. This requires that the community understand social issues.
Politics is confusing. It's hard to vote for people you don't know and laws you don't understand.
This problem is solved with open communication. It provides a basis for the community to be heard. Establishing an active dialogue between officials and the public facilitates understanding of what is happening.
As a result of the presentation, it is much easier to understand what Supervisor Corzo supports.
Corzo provided a welcoming environment of community engagement. By speaking to the community in this way, he establishes accountability and transparency of representation.
You may not agree with the politics. But there's no denying that community issues are easier to understand now.
It is the process of listening and understanding that makes representative democracy possible. When people are better informed, we all benefit.
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