Something Positive for the Community of Fairfield Bay-Transparency

As we would look at ways to bring more positivity into Fairfield Bay, look at solutions, we believe a policy of TRANSPARENCY by all government leaders would help to reduce grumbling, complaining, accusations, insinuations, suspicion. Notice we said reduce, not eliminate because there will always be individuals who are never happy, never satisfied, who live off of creating drama and suspicion. There will always be individuals who no matter how transparent someone may be, they distrust if they are not part of their tribe. In fact, some go as far as saying you cannot trust any Fairfield Bay City Government leaders or Community Club leaders. More transparency most likely will not change their hearts, only lessen some of what they complain about.
(When we say Government Leaders, in a general manner, or public officials we are talking about Fairfield Bay City Government Employees and Community Club employees/officers.

What About the General Public?
A majority of citizens in Fairfield Bay are not negative, drama loving individuals. But for any of us as human beings, when we feel like we are not getting the whole truth, feel like there is some form of cover-up, we become very suspicious and then have trust issues, especially when it comes to government, We believe more transparency by all government leaders would help the community of Fairfield Bay.

What Do We Mean by Transparency?
In regard to transparency we are talking about the following:
a. An Open Door Policy. Any government official, even business, should have an open-door policy in regard to be willing and available for individuals to approach them with any concerns or questions they may have on any topic.

b. Transparency means there needs to be open and honest communication.

c. There should not be any subject that cannot be discussed unless legally it cannot be discussed, legal counsel is given to not discuss the topic, there is an ongoing lawsuit (which is another issue all together), or anything that common sense would consider to be private.

d. Public questions should be answered publicly based upon the stipulations in c. If it is not convenient to give the answer at the time of the question it should be answered on an official public page.

e. Of course, there are limitations. Of course there are those who abuse the concept of transparency and openness. Of course, there are many things that government officials cannot discuss publicly.

When There is Not Transparency
a. When there is not transparency there is the appearance of evil.

b. When there is not transparency there is a layer of suspicion that is hard to remove.

c. When there is not transparency it appears there may be unholy alliances.

d. When there is not transparency it has to be accepted there will always be the question asked, "What are they trying to hide?"

e. When there is not transparency it has to be accepted there will be insinuations, innuendos, assumptions, gossip, and rumors.

What Stops Transparency?
For there to be transparency there needs to be an atmosphere where individuals feel safe to be open and honest. The following creates a negative atmosphere for transparency to take place.
a. Threats of lawsuits. This is a topic in itself. There needs to be an end to all the threats of lawsuits. It does not create atmosphere for transparency, it stops healthy communication, most of the time the cost ultimately comes back unto the citizens of Fairfield Bay. (This subject will be covered in a different post.)

b. Mocking individuals with memes, writing derogatory jokes, using sarcastic humor to put individuals down certainly does not create an atmosphere for transparency.

c. Bullying, lashing out, ongoing attacks certainly prevents a willingness to be transparent.

d. Finding every opportunity to try and prove you are right and others are wrong does not encourage transparency.

e. Individuals spending time pointing out every mistake, every error, every mishap, etc certainly does not create an atmosphere for transparency. Giving the impressions that leaders only do wrong will not encourage transparency.

f. Claiming to know the heart and motives certainly does not encourage transparency.

g. A lack of humility by all parties does not encourage transparency. If you are always right, who is going to want to have open dialogue with you?

Reality
There are times there are topics, subjects, discussions that cannot or should not be talked about publicly by public officials. There are certain things that a public official may do that another public official does not agree with, but they are not going to say so publicly. That does not mean they agree with the action. We should assume there is agreement or publicly insinuate there is agreement.

Reality, there are times legal counsel are giving advice, based upon certain circumstances, to not respond to comments.

Private Discussion
If a person has some concerns about something within Fairfield Bay, it does not mean they must always share them publicly. If you want more transparency, be someone that a public official feels it is safe to share in a more vulnerable way. Give a phone call, have coffee, visit with government leaders. They are more likely to share their personal, non-official perspective.

Citizens Do Your Part
If you want to see more transparency by public officials, create a safe environment for them to be more vulnerable. Instead of being Facebook Warriors attend the various public meetings. Attacking individuals no matter what they do is harmful, not helpul. Set up times to meet up with leaders for private interaction. Show respect even if you disagree.

It has been stated by more than one government leader that they rarely ever have someone contact them to ask questions, share concerns, have healthy interaction. Instead, individuals assume, claim to know the viewpoint/perspective of the leader.

Prayer
Each week we have prayer for all public officials, various businesses. One of the things we pray is for more transparency in the city of Fairfield Bay.

Standing in the Gap has a 24/7 Prayerline: 1-866-WANTGOD, 1-866-926-8463.

Standing in the Gap does much more than just prayer for Fairfield Bay. Standing in the Gap also believes there are many more things that can be done to benefit Fairfield Bay than just prayer. It also believes there are things done that do more harm than good for the community of Fairfield Bay.

Positivity in Fairfield Bay-Positivity
Solutions-Prayer for Fairfield Bay
Solutions-Christians Act Like Jesus
Solutions-Transparency
Solutions-Healthy Communication

Disclaimers
Standing in the Gap has no alliances with any ungodly entities. Our ministry is not controlled by any entities. On most of the political issues Standing in the Gap has no position.

Richard D'Andrea Dover (PreacherRichD) is the founder of Standing in the Gap. There are times that PreacherRichD will take some stands on some issues. When he does so he makes it clear if his position is that of a private citizen or as Standing in the Gap.