From this bedrock principle, however, the path rapidly crumbles into uncertainty. For example, some supporters of the new Homer library apparently believe that to be valid a “process” must confine itself to a formal structure that, in the case of the library, requires a checklist of sequential steps: first, the concept; next, the design; then, fund-raising. Finally, the actual construction, and then — voila — we have a new public library.
At each stage, members of the public are invited, under controlled circumstances, to participate or provide input.
Well, I don’t think the system works quite as smoothly as that.
Democracy is a much more complex interaction of human forces and values. The new Homer library, for instance, is a public project utilizing significant public funds. That makes it susceptible, at any phase of the process, to additional, dynamic forces such as a lawsuit, an unforeseen regulatory or environmental requirement, a disgruntled group of citizens or a new city council.
These are all legitimate forces that have often sidetracked other, larger, projects elsewhere. With sufficient support and momentum any one of them could have modified or shut down this library project. That such an occurrence hasn’t happened is more a reflection of the involved planning, unstinting commitment and the untiring guidance by the project’s cadre than it is to a monopolization of righteousness.
I believe that the Homer City Council’s recent proposal to merge the new library with that of the college was a valid, albeit ill-considered, action. It wasn‘t really a “hijack.” I strongly suspect that it simply reflected a force, heretofore quietly slumbering, that for some reason suddenly bestirred itself.
If so, this particular “force,” or “interest,” was under no obligation to weigh-in earlier. Maybe this “interest” previously had been too involved in other, equally important, activities to participate in this library project. Maybe they were busy making a living, raising kids or fighting off a physical disability. Maybe they then suddenly overreacted to awareness of the new library’s pending completion. Maybe this “interest” thought that its best chance for success was to employ legitimate parliamentary tactics.
If so, that’s as valid a technique as is complaining about the process being “hijacked” by the city council, the town’s duly elected governing body.
In any case, it’s all grist for the mill. This is a democracy, after all. It takes, and blends together, all kinds of people in all kinds of manner. You never know for sure what will eventually pop out.
Larry Slone is a 20-year (cumulative) Homer resident with a professional background in aviation. He is a longtime letter writer.
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