An Informed Community is a Strong Community

By Jeniffer Viscarra, Commissioner

(November 30, 2020) – I remember the first time I voted. The only truly informed opinion I had was on the presidential race. There was no Google, cell phones or social media at the time. To be informed, you really had to do your homework. I did the best I could with the rest of the ballot and the local races, which are just as important as the general election. Today, with the internet at our fingertips, people can easily do an online search. Unfortunately, this very access also presents a great challenge. We still have to do our homework; it’s just different now. The amount of information, and also misinformation, that is readily available can be a doubleedged sword.

What can SIB residents do to be meaningfully informed on our issues? In addition to your current level of involvement, I encourage you to reach out to the City Commission. Bring your questions, meet the staff, get a better understanding from the people in the trenches (even if it has to be through Zoom). Develop your own independent opinion on the issues that matter to you by using all available resources, including your very accessible local government.

An informed community is a strong community. When you have a good understanding of what your city government is doing, you are better equipped to navigate the flood of information and misinformation when it matters most.

Should you need help, my door is always open. You can reach me at jviscarra@sibfl.net or by phone at 305.792.1750. Last but not least, I wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!