As a citizen, it is your duty to voice your opinions to your elected representatives. You can influence our government by persuading members of your local and state government to take action regarding a cause/issue you have strong feelings about.
According to the Georgia Constitution of 83 there are 16 different services that the local government in Georgia can provide.
Police and fire protection
Garbage and solid waste collection and disposal
Public health facilities and services
Street and road construction and maintenance
Parks, recreational areas, programs, and facilities
Storm-water and sewage collection and disposal systems
Development, storage, treatment, purification, and distribution of water
Public housing/public transportation
Libraries, archives, and arts and sciences programs and facilities
Terminal and dock facilities and parking facilities
Codes, including building, housing, plumbing, and electrical
Air-quality control
The creation, modification, and maintenance of retirement or pension systems for local government employees
Planning, zoning, and community redevelopment
The 1993 law added to this list electric or gas utility services and street lighting, for a total of sixteen municipal services.
Objective:
Demonstrate how to responsibly participate in government and use knowledge of government structure and funding to conduct research surrounding the issue to write a letter to your local representative making them aware of the issue and proposing a possible solution
Complete:
You will write a letter to a local official drawing their attention to the issue and asking for their support.
All government services cost money. Your issue will cost money to address it. Your issue will use resources to research the possible sources of revenue that are available to pay for government services.
The Problem
Identify a problem you see in our state or your community. If you are having problems, ask your friends, families, or teachers for ideas. Watching the news can be a good springboard as well.
Considering the 16 government services described in the Constitution, identify the service(s) that relate to your issue of concern. This problem should be practical in that it can be address reasonably by the local government.
Briefly describe your issue of concern below:
Identify the Government Services Described in the Constitution that apply to your issue:
My issue of concern is the lack of affordable housing options in our community. Many residents are struggling to find housing that they can afford, leading to homelessness and overcrowded living situations.
The government services that apply to this issue are public housing and community redevelopment. This service could potentially provide affordable housing options for those in need.
Possible Solution:
One possible solution to address this issue is for the local government to invest in the development of affordable housing units. This could include partnering with developers to create affordable housing complexes or providing incentives for landlords to offer affordable rental options.
Letter to Local Representative:
Dear [Local Representative],
I am writing to bring to your attention the pressing issue of affordable housing in our community. Many of our residents are struggling to find housing that they can afford, leading to homelessness and overcrowded living situations. This issue is having a negative impact on the well-being of our community members and is something that requires immediate attention.
I urge you to consider investing in the development of affordable housing units in our area. By providing affordable housing options, we can help alleviate the burden on those who are currently struggling to find a place to call home. This investment in our community will not only benefit those in need of housing, but also contribute to the overall well-being and stability of our community.
I ask for your support in addressing this important issue and am hopeful that together we can make a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]