Where does AboutCambria.com Stand on Cambria Issues?
As we await the results of the second prop 218 ballot validations, it seems like a good time to reflect on why this site was first created and how it has grown and changed. (Those of you wanting a report from the July 24th meeting…one will be up soon!)
So where does AboutCambria.com stand on Cambria issues? The short answer: Behind each and every Cambrian who wants their voice heard and right next to every person who loves this town and wants to contribute to it’s success. Of course, that’s not really an answer, and the longer answer is, of course, longer.
Just to the right of these words is a section in the right column that says
PLEASE NOTE: About Cambria.com was built as a forum for all Cambrians and the community. The ideas and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of AboutCambria.com or any organization or the community as a whole. Express yourself. Comment to show support or opposition. Contribute to state your case.
This statement (plus the one at the very bottom of the page) hint at what I’d like to see this site become. The driving force behind building this resource was to provide a place for “regular” Cambrians (and CFRC members) to exchange ideas, share documents, have conversations, share a calendar and links to useful sites. It’s no substitute for face to face conversations, but I hope an interactive website would help extinguish one of the main things stopping some from participating: time.
The CFRC formed to oppose the fall 2007 rate increase, not to oppose the CCSD. It is difficult not to take things personally in such a small community and there has been tension and some animosity. But our group is still serious about working with the CCSD find a way forward and propose a rates plan that the community would get behind. AboutCambria.com was built to help address the steep learning curve. The volunteers worked hard to ensure their rates proposal would be informed and realistic.
Since AboutCambria.com launched last November, many of the contributing writers focus on improving the oversight and accountability of the CCSD. Not too many cheerleaders for CCSD. I get reactions from some who see this site as a CCSD-bashing, inflammatory and/or insulting site and are not likely to join the conversation. That view is very far from my ideal vision: a democratic, self-monitoring, safe place for dialogs and debates in the interest of our community.
What AboutCambria.com will never be is free from bias. When it comes to discussion of the future of Cambria, I would be a fool to think any site would be unbiased. What this site CAN be is balanced. (And quit thinking I’ve gone all Fox News on you!) Where does AboutCambria.com Stand on Cambria Issues? It stands in support of them. All of them. Because one of the core values of this site is one central to the success of democracy: access to information and education. The founding fathers believed that successful democracy requires well-informed, involved citizens. If AboutCambria.com is providing accurate information about the community and the opportunity for everyone to add to the conversation so everyone is more well-informed and more involved, I consider it a success. If AboutCambria.com becomes a nursery for solutions for Cambria, it will be a resounding success.
AboutCambria.com is not a success yet….And it needs YOUR help. Have you commented or written a post? I have invited the participation of many in the community, including the General Manager and her staff and Board President Joan Cobin. CCSD Director Muril Clift has responded constituents’ concerns that had been posted and contributing a human interest story about Zac Sunderland, perhaps to remind everyone it isn’t ALL About Cambria. Other members of the community who have posted here: Charlotte Darehshori, Clive Finchamp, Doug Buckmaster, Elizabeth Bettenhausen, Rich Davega, Frank DeMicco, Anne Winburn, Lauren Younger, Richard Brownhill and yours truly - Amanda Rice.
Now its your turn. Go on over and read the Fine Print (click tab above) and then get to typing what you think about all of this. Its simple - you can click the “Submit a Post” tab at the top or register to be a member with additional editing tools and permissions. There is no charge to contribute. That’s right - FREE! Contact Amanda if you have any questions or problems with the site.
So where does AboutCambria.com stand on the issues? On the community’s side.
Four Little Thought Packets:
- A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. ^ James Madison
- Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights. ^ Thomas Jefferson
- Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against; not with; the wind. ^ hamilton mabie
- Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight. ^Proverbs 18:17
Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
- A Look at the Many Community Meetings and Other Fun Scheduled for This Week
- New on AboutCCSD.com - Agenda for November 17 Meeting With Comments
- Workshop on CCSD Quarterly Financial Reports Next Week
- The Year in Review - Highlights from Our First Year Online
- Greenspace Community Speaker Series