We consider public education
a critical local issue. Many of the challenges facing our community
become major
problems or minor irritations
as a result of individual resident actions and behavior.
Often, however, residents are unaware of the role they play or
their
individual responsibilities. Investing
in good public education can save the community from
excessive regulation, enforcement costs, environmental and
health issues, and
community disharmony.
Research shows that effective public education requires repeating
information many times in many ways. People learn differently
and respond differently at different times. To be effective,
our public
education efforts need a dedicated budget and planning and
implementation by skilled and knowledgeable people.
Some
significant issues
for immediate and on-going education include
- Water
-Heighten public awareness of the homeowner’s role
in maintaining water quality – water conservation,
well and septic maintenance, impact of leaking oil tanks,
how water districts work and what they cost, mitigating storm
water run-off.
- Air quality - the impact of smoke, current
regulations and health concerns related to burn barrels, non-certified
wood stoves, most wood-burning furnaces, and leaf burning
- Alternative approaches to development and design
standards and the regulations that shape the review process
- Home business regulations
- Senior services available
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