The city appears to be spending millions of taxpayer dollars on projects where the public has little to no say in how the funds are allocated. Although town meetings are open, turnout seems to be limited. Moreover, the opinions of those who do attend do not seem to influence the representatives’ votes. When the mayor is breaking tie votes from the council on important issues, I grow even more concerned.

A survey conducted by Ashland.news to gather readers’ opinions on these projects and the spending on controversial issues is suggested. This could provide two benefits. The City Council could gain a clearer understanding of community support or opposition to their spending of tax dollars and the implementation of grants and studies for projects that lack public input. Additionally, if a new way for citizens to voice their opinions, beyond town meetings, were publicized, it might attract more subscribers. An online or mail-in survey could bring exposure to the publication and show city representatives whose voices, and how many, they may be disregarding. It should not fall on a single person, the city manager, to be making such impactful financial decisions without considering the voters.

Readers and the people of Ashland should be given a voice and the possibility of referendums on these issues, instead of the council’s current approach. The council appears to be dictating funding for controversial issues without citizen input. The ballot is the only way to control who is in these positions. Those elected seem not to have clearly communicated their intentions and views to the voters. Many may share the sentiment that public policy is not aligned with the town’s overall desires.

A way to stop what appears to be an out-of-control city government is needed to make them listen to the public. Citizens need to take elections seriously and research candidates’ views. The city government seems to be operating without regard for public input, and some sort of action is needed. Voices should be heard through some different forum than what is in place, as it will soon be too late to influence the projects and policies being imposed. Remember, “democracy dies in silence.”

Matt Jones, Ashland