1/17/12 – The Beaver Dam Common Council last night approved a resolution urging civil public discourse in government. The resolution was brought forward by City Attorney Mary Ann Schacht at the suggestion of the Wisconsin League of Municipalities and cites (quote) “divisive attacks…which lead to ineffective public decision making, citizen frustration and damage to our democracy.” In its January issue, the League encouraged local governments to adopt the measure. Schacht says the hope at the beginning of a new year is to steer the conversation toward good government and good communications. The resolution reads (quote), “that the city of Beaver Dam urges all government officials and employees, political parties, media representatives, advocacy organizations and candidates for political office and their supporters to strive toward a more civil public discourse in the conduct of political activities and in the administration of the affairs of government.” The resolution was adopted without dissent.
