Each member of the community should lean into their civic responsibility. As the legislative session begins, we know we should keep an eye on our legislators. However, as a community, we should focus not only on the significant issues argued in the state house. Our community needs similar attention and effort and engaged citizens at the local level, as referenced by Mayor Casper in her recent city address. We should be paying attention to our local leaders. We need them to know who we are as citizens, so we can hold them accountable for making the improvement process transparent and manageable.
Civic responsibility is demonstrated through active participation in the public life of our community. Mayor Casper pointed out the service of the board and committee participants. But we should also recognize the coaches, teachers and volunteers who are our city’s heartbeat. These engaged citizens work tirelessly to lead and set an example for the next generation of involved citizens. Our volunteers, like the ones at our local soup kitchen and food banks, are supporting those in need.
In my childhood, the Idaho Falls Ice Arena made that difference. I have cherished and shared the memories of ice skating and hockey throughout my adult life. It was my home away from home, especially during the winter months. Hockey taught me teamwork and helped me stay out of trouble. Great coaches and officials like Mike TenEyck and John Conquergood passed a legacy to my generation. Following their example as I returned to Idaho Falls three years ago made sense.
Almost two years ago, after my accident on the ice, I couldn’t help but notice that there was an opportunity for better training and safety precautions at the ice arena. There are very few sports with the potential for head injury where a helmet is not at least an option—if not encouraged. Unfortunately, as I write this, our parks and recreation department has been dragging its feet on making any changes toward injury awareness or offering helmets. Only after repeated messages and a voicemail to the mayor did I receive a serious response to a more than reasonable safety precaution for our community and youth. However, none of the top city leaders directly acknowledged my concerns.
When concerns are not addressed, it breeds inactivity. When council members or voicemails become part of the process, the response becomes disingenuous. As a community, we must get better at identifying and acknowledging our engaged citizens. Many of the programs that support our youth and other community members in need are done on the backs of volunteers. Our city departments need stewards willing to work with community members and represent their concerns and ideas as meaningful and necessary.
Yes, our citizens need to be active and engaged. But when we do engage, our leaders need to reciprocate. Engaged citizens set the example for the next generation and they need to be encouraged as we support the great community that we have here in Idaho Falls.
Dan Barker is a leadership and management consultant. He is the vice-chair of Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.