An issue of increasing concern lately (it's August 2009 so let's see how timeless this issue is) has to do with comments made at public meetings, town halls, etc. regarding taxes, the pace of change, and the credibility of government. I read it as code for "we don't like the policy, so we're going to throw darts". Maybe it's a new twist on NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) or LULUs (locally unwanted land uses), but its basically elevating the amount of tension within communities and the country at large.

What we really need, regardless of the issue, is a precedent for a more civil dialogue (that is two-way communications) between government at all levels and its citizenry. Having worked in local government for over 15 years, I realize that most people have not, and that the level of skepticism is high and increasing among the general population. The news media (a communication outlet?) only serves to exacerbate the situation with its coverage of such poor public behavior. It's like covering a shark attack. Still, a calm rational approach is needed and a neutral arbiter is likely one of the only ways that will be achieved.

Who could even think of making money from such an opportunity? Well, why not? If legal counsel can be procured to resolve a situation, why shouldn't a consultant who could potentially actually resolve the issue at hand, and provide for a more stable and permanent communications system by which upcoming community issues could be discussed. In litigation, there is a winner and a loser. In mediation, there can be two winners (or more) as long as there is the ability to be reasonable and compromise.

So, if you are a community group with limited resources (time and money), what is your preferred course of action? If you are a local government or a government agency and you are looking for ways to resolve citizen conflicts, criticisms, or just provide better information and communication venues to your citizenry, then how do you accomplish that effectively?

Community Solutions was created specifically to do this. The more the tension is ratcheted up, the more important it becomes to diffuse the situation, and to sit down and lay out the issues. Perhaps the venue needs to change, maybe some of the players are too close to the issue, or maybe the issue has been mischaracterized or even hijacked by one or more parties. Who would come in to diffuse such a situation? Well, a neutral party is really the only realistic choice. One with the experience, temperament and personality to be able to navigate such precarious waters. Relative to litigation, it will be more cost effective, more beneficial to the community, the groups involved, and the local government. There really isn't anything to lose. Failure is not an option.

So, if you are at your wit's end, instead of getting up in the middle of a public meeting or your Mayor's next town hall meeting and yelling, give us a call. We will treat you with respect and we will work with you to resolve your issue efficiently and effectively. Your time and your community are too important to waste effort on anything less!