Revised September 18, 2024
The “elders” among us remember a candidate for a Shorewood office running on the brand “All Neighbors Count.” All neighbors may have “counted” 25 years ago.
What has happened since that mantra rang true with the voters of Shorewood? We don’t have the answer. But we have noticed that when it comes to commenting on, or showing up for Council meetings, we no longer all count.
- In the early 2000s, one 13 year-old boy bravely came to the Park Commission with a scale model of a skate park, asking the City to build one for the skaters in the City. The PC listened, as did the Council, and it happened. He counted.
- Several park foundation members tenaciously pushed for a “concession stand” at Freeman Park and against overwhelming financing odds, it was built and became Eddy Station. Their voices mattered.
- A single resident proposed Freeman Park as a concert venue. Twenty-five years later Music in the Park is an annual event. She was heard.
Something has changed…
- On Aug. 9, 2021 a resident summed up her observations on “two Shorewoods,” resulting in vigorous audience applause.
- Recently, several homeowners came before Council regarding their opposition to widening Birch Bluff Road. They were told: “while the two of you are here…there are many more who aren’t, who feel differently [sic].”
- When four residents attended the Dec. 12, 2022 work session to be part of the conversation on pesticide use on City property, they were told by CM Callies, “great that you people show up but there’s 7000 citizens in Shorewood…”
- CM Sanschagrin referred to several residents who had expressed concerns about the data practices request policy at City Hall and was told by another CM the City “should not change policy for a few people.”
That brings us to the realization that we don’t all “count,” or are at least, given equal consideration. In fact, unless we are a person of community status: an HOA leader, developer, or civic group rep, we are restricted on public discourse time to interact with our Council members. There is often a perception that wealth and/or business connections have a louder voice than the “average” resident.
How many of us must be vocal on a particular topic to count? Two? Four? Twenty? Is there an ordinance or a policy that says unless there are a particular number of voices, we have no right to expect to have any influence and our opinions are of no value?
Council members who use this excuse are sadly unaware of the impact of their words. The subject matter is not the point. The point is the diminishment of a resident who comes forward and is swiped away like an annoying gnat. Most residents will go away never to be involved again. A few will stay in it for a fight where there are no winners.
Somewhere in the last two decades, things have changed from “all neighbors count,” to “there are just a few of you,” “keep it to three minutes” (ding, ding) and don’t expect your voice to count.
SCA Editors
