Revival of Observer Corps begins

LWV Observer Corps held its first “revival” meeting Feb. 23 in the Community Room of the Madison County Public Library in Berea.

Board  members Jeanne Hibberd and Howard Bowden organized the training session. Long-time LWV members and observers Joan Peoples, Betty Wray and Elise Andre provided helpful examples of present and past day situations that observers might be exposed to and the positive influence the League was and is able to exert due to observers’ diligence.

The session also included topics on: local government; sunshine laws; what is the Observer Corps; who we observe; what are our goals; best practices; observer reports; role of Observer Coordinator; and resources.

Although the majority of attendees expressed an interest in becoming an Observer, we still need more volunteers. Our initial goal is to have a pair of observers available to attend each of the county and city governing bodies’ and planning commissions’ meetings.
 
There will be more specific training, in the near future, on the purpose and scope of the Madison County Fiscal Court, Berea City Council, Richmond City Commission, and all three Planning &/ Zoning Commissions, LWV positions, and convenient  reporting procedures.
 
Members interested in expanding their and the communities awareness of the decisions that impact their lives and promoting government transparency and accountability are encouraged to contact the Observer Coordinator, Howard Bowden at (859) 624-5453 or Howbowden@aol.com .

A successful program requires citizen power. With a large enough group, we can share the task.