More have taken an interest in local politics these days.
Back a few years ago, the audience of the Blytheville City Council meetings usually included the late Gertrude Smith and maybe a handful of others who had some connection to items on the agenda.
Smith attended nearly every Council and committee meeting and often voiced concerns she had on particular issues.
I'm not sure if they would admit it, but she probably made city leaders better and influenced some of their decisions.
Now there are several like her -- community members who regularly attend meetings and show an interest in what is going on in city government.
More times than not, the Council meetings are packed with audience members watching their elected leaders at work. More and more are showing up to committee meetings as well.
Whatever their intentions for being there, I believe it's good to have such a presence holding their representatives accountable.
The decisions made by the mayor and City Council affect thousands of residents, more than 200 city employees, local businesses and potential future residents and companies.
There's a reason the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requires that "all meetings, formal or informal, special or regular, of the governing bodies of all municipalities, counties, townships, and school districts and all boards, bureaus, commissions, or organizations of the State of Arkansas, except grand juries, supported wholly or in part by public funds or expending public funds, shall be public meetings."
The public's business should be done in public -- and, in a perfect world, in front of a large group of interested citizens whose only agenda is to better their community.
An informed public is a powerful force; an engaged citizenry compels leaders to act in a manner benefiting all.
In my opinion, their presence influences leaders to lead better and become more accountable to their constituents.
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It's about that time when potential candidates begin to think about putting their hat in the ring for various offices.
This time next year, there will be serious campaigning for mayor, three Blytheville City Council positions and a few other local offices.
Local voters will have some big decisions to make about the direction they want to see the community go.
Those currently holding the positions have about 13 months to convince voters they deserve another shot. Their actions over the next several months will speak louder than their voices during campaign season. Voters have long memories, and so do challengers.
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At the end of every Rotary meeting, Rotarians cite the Four-Way Test: Is it the truth?; Is it fair to all concerned?; Will it build good will and better friendships?; Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Every local politician and candidate for office would do well to follow that ethical guide when making decisions.
I guess so would every journalist and every citizen, for that matter.
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say and do is something we should all aspire to follow.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com