Aware that residents in Washington were eager for ways to educate themselves on the issues of the day, King County has developed Countywide Community Forums (CCF), an innovative citizen engagement effort designed to make democracy more user-friendly, and to bring the public forum to local neighborhoods and workplaces.
Launched in June of last year, so far the CCFs have tackled such issues as transportation, and the priorities and performance of county government.
On October 8, round 4 of the CCFs come to Issaquah and Sammamish.
On the discussion table will be: “Public Safety: Law and Justice.”
The meetings will provide an opportunity for citizen input on a host of public safety issues ranging from gun possession laws involving children to DUI laws, and decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana for adults.
Several forums are already scheduled in Issaquah and Sammamish, including two on Oct. 8 in homes around Issaquah, at 3 p.m., Oct. 18 at the Issaquah Library, and another at 7 p.m., Oct. 21, at a home in Sammamish.
To register for those forums or find another one near you, go to CommunityForums.org or call toll-free at 800-369-2584.
Local organizer Chantal Stevens said that forums like these were a vital component of a well-functioning community, and urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with other citizens on issues that affect them all.
“We live in a polarized society and there are fewer and fewer opportunities for regular people to talk to one another about important political issues in a neutral, friendly environment,” she said. “The forums allow community members who may or may not know each other to come together to thoughtfully consider difficult issues, have a civil conversation, maybe reconsider some of their positions, and then let their elected officials know their views. It supports democracy, builds community and informs decision makers.”
Unlike a traditional public forum, CCF meetings are small, comprised of between 4 and 12 people, and happen in living rooms, libraries or conference rooms.
Each forum lasts about two hours, includes a discussion and a survey, and begins with the viewing of a topic video.
The round 4 topic video features King County Councilmembers Kathy Lambert and Bob Ferguson, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, King County Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer and Barbara Linde.
Results of the CCF survey will be tabulated and released to the public and media in early November.
Copies of the CCF survey and the results from previous rounds are available online at www.kingcounty.gov/auditor/communityforums
Over 1,800 people have registered to serve as a Citizen Councilor since the program began in 2007.
The CCF program uses no taxpayer funds and is free to participants.
Anyone living or working in King County is welcome to participate.
The program is overseen by the King County Auditor’s office and is managed by the volunteer leadership of Dick Spady, co-founder of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants Inc., and his sons John and Jim Spady.
To register as a volunteer Citizen Councilor, attend a small group meeting, or host a meeting, go to www.CommunityForums.org or call 206-296-1633, toll-free 800-369-2584, or email CommunityForums@KingCounty.gov.
“The large turnout and enthusiastic participation in previous Countywide Community Forums shows that the public wants to be involved in the process and not on the ‘outside looking in,’” said King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Citizens are looking for ways to participate in government, and this program promises an interesting vehicle for citizen participation.”
