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The Importance of Keeping in Touch, by Antonio Apreas (Av2 Mon, 2010-11)

The aim of this proposal is to suggest to the Getafe City Council that they should improve their communication channels with residents, especially with regards to our gardens and street maintenance.

The Problem

Obviously, a place is kept clean not only because you clean a lot but also because you do not make it dirty. The Council tries to control the money and it is allocated to different areas. However, despite of that, we see examples like having a splendid new cycle lane in a street where the pavement is full of potholes or having some sweepers for streets and others for gardens. It is hard to understand why they do not collect rubbish which is a meter away from them because it is in the garden area or on the pavement. As a result, the place is always dirty, in spite of the work being done.

Making a Suggestion

I consider it is crucial for residents to get involved. On the other hand, flexibility in budget allocation is of paramount importance as well as the use of common sense, if we want to avoid these situations.

Apart from that, it is widely accepted that the community as a whole should take part in identifying what tasks have to be done. We all agree that to improve is not only to plant gardens but also to maintain them properly, and listening to feedback from users is necessary.

What we also need to consider is that our work system does not have an effective method of being monitored. We must pay attention to get resident involvement and to manage a proper pre- and post- monitoring.

What We Need

I would strongly recommend that you improve the citizen information channels so that residents and the person in charge are able to close the circle of the whole process. I am sure that this would lead to an increase in the involvement of citizens. The Internet plays a helpful role and this channel should be promoted. It would help in more fluid communication and in the monitoring process. In addition, the Council could create a team in charge of checking these matters. Undoubtedly, imaginative people good at problem-solving would help nurture the contact with citizens.

How the City Would Benefit

To put it briefly, the most important benefit would be to have aware citizens involved as much as possible in community decisions. If we try to build an efficient working system I am sure this would not be costly.

To feel that we are on the same side and part of the solution would be the best way to encourage civil attitudes and effective compromise.