This document discusses the challenge of balancing neighborhood democracy with representation on councils. It advocates for community-level participation that informs residents and allows discussion, but makes decisions alongside traditional methods. It acknowledges the difficulties in managing online and offline connections, paranoia, and balancing national, local and hyperlocal interests. The goal is to turn ideas of neighborhood participation into a practical governance blueprint.
11. We know what we want
1. Community-level participation
2. Available to as many people as want
to participate
3. That informs people of context and
data
4. Gives them opportunities to discuss
things
5. Takes positions but makes decisions
only alongside traditional methods
6. A meaningful role for councillors
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12. And we know some do’s and don’ts
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18. And we know the challenges
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19. The Bertolt Brecht Problem
“The Secretary of the Writer's Union
Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee
Stating that the people
Had forfeited the confidence of the government
And could win it back only
By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?”
Brecht, “The Solution”
Friday, 20 January 12
