I am privileged to have been a panelist on the 109th Arizona Town Hall, Financing Arizona’s Future. The Town Hall convened in Mesa, AZ. From November 13-16th, 2016.
I was one of 80 panelists and was impressed and humbled by the experienced talent assembled from a statewide pool of community activists. Well trained panel chairs, Panel Recorders and “veteran” panelists did an amazing job of keeping the process focused and moving toward a Recommendations Report. Armed with specific background reports and the words of nationally recognized expert speakers we were prepared to move forward.
The Town Hall began with panel discussions by four panels of twenty participants each. We all left our titles and positions at the door. Viewpoints of all participants are considered equally valuable and critical thinking was encouraged. After robust discussions, each panel reached consensus.
Once complete, the consensus statements are taken from each panel. This process was completed by the end of two long, intense days. Report Chairs reviewed the statements and looked for consensus across all of the panels and drafted a report of what appeared to be the consensus of all Town Hall participants. This draft was available at midnight of the second day. I believe the process was as valuable as the recommendations.
Each panelist had between midnight and 6:45am to review the draft contents. Starting at 6:45am on day three, each panel had time to review the draft and outline and suggest amendments or rejections of the draft contents and recommendations.
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Then the fun began. A plenary session with all participants, as a full body, began an organized review of the final recommendations document. All participants worked to approve, amend or reject each section of the report of recommendations. This process was a spirited, sometimes contentious, assembly of democracy. Amazingly, a consensus was reached and a final Recommendations Report, significantly altering the original draft was prepared.
The purpose of the final report is to educate our leaders and population, empowering people to resolve important issues that affect us all and act to create solutions for the public good. Mission accomplished.
I must admit having lived in Arizona for 41 years, being involved professionally and as a community activist, I thought I knew a lot of Arizona issues. While I believe I was an active participant, able to add to the conversation, I humbly realize how much I did not know or understand about how the Arizona government and its financing systems affect us all. Urban and rural areas; education, commerce, health and security; local government, infrastructure and natural resources all must blend for the good of all Arizonans.
I left, remembering how it truly takes a village to achieve success. I urge you to reach out and experience this power.
George M. Cohen