Citizens should ask themselves a series of civic questions

For the past two years I have had the privilege to serve a group of citizens whose focus is to improve government and to research issues

that affect all of us.
I have come to realize that without aggressive action this community we love and serve will not change; I believe it will continue to be

influenced to follow a course that will eventually restrict our freedom, rights and privileges.
I am recommending change with short-term and long-term goals to bring consistent accountability to all.
Examples of good leadership serve to remind us that courage to lead whether popular or not and for the right reasons according to principled

convictions are for the betterment of all. When morally ethical people make decisions in good faith, and without political spin, it affects

generations to come.  It is important to realize that both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were leaders who knew the limitations of

their abilities and powers and rested upon the wisdom from their creator to include necessary and proper checks and balances in our

government.  They realized that tyrannical, unaccountable individuals could influence and control large segments of our commerce, financial

community, the medical systems and our interaction and responsibilities regarding other nations and all or any among us for generations to

come.
Among all of them was a consensus that together under God and recognizing their individual and corporate concerns and responsibilities, they

could achieve through proper constitution a land like no other that could assure that all citizens, great and small, could pursue with

freedom the success they desire for themselves their families and for their new country.
The need to be free to launch new opportunities, even ones that others may not fully support, is essential for creativity. However, it is my

conviction that it is irresponsible to act without recognizing our responsibilities to others.  Guiding principles at the highest level is a

direct responsibility of our “God given rights” in grace.  However, when a regular pattern of behavior occurs, bringing our community to the

brink of bankruptcy, and those actions were the result of actions by our leaders, and when financial decisions continue to be made without

appropriate discipline to curb spending – corrective action must be taken for the good of all.
Therefore, I am urging the citizens of this community to ask themselves the following questions. Also, I urge you to speak to your local

leaders and insist that they slow down on matters before them regarding the BVU authority.
Here are the questions:
* Did I vote for the current leaders of my community?
* Did I vote in the last election?
* Do I know the significance of my personal vote?
* Do I know how I should hold my leaders accountable without trying to micromanage?
* Do I receive accurate information?
* Do my leaders address the concerns of my community?
* Are my leaders fair, ethical and responsible to the citizens of my community?
* Do they have a good record of keeping my city out of debt and managing finances?
* Have they misrepresented facts to me?
* Do they handle matters I am concerned about carefully?
* Do I believe my leaders are serving their own interests?
* Do I think my leaders believe they work for me?
* Have I ever witnessed a leader deflecting information in a way that reflects a predetermined decision?
* How will I become a better-informed citizen about matters regarding my city?
* Am I have interested in becoming involved in city government?
* Would I be willing to change my vote in an upcoming election if I discovered a leader was misrepresenting any of my concerns?
* Would I support a referendum for the BVU Authority Act being considered by our city council?

Lonnie R. Whitley is co-chairman of Bristol Citizens United and lives in Bristol, Va.