It would be easy enough to assume that Insight Magazine is a newcomer’s guide to the Golden Triangle. This year’s edition of the magazine will be published in the weekend edition of The Dispatch and, as always, it provides information on a host of topics, everything from annual events in the Golden Triangle to restaurants, schools to medical facilities, libraries and parks. It’s also a quick reference guide to city and county services in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee counties.
It’s a handy resource to those new to our communities and those who’ve been here for years.
Included in the 72-page magazine is contact information for all elected officials on the local and state level as well as key department heads of local government, including police, sheriff and fire departments in each city and county.
We believe this information, particularly the contact information of elected officials, is not just a resource by a tool. Using that information, whether it’s a phone call or an email, provides citizens an easy way to make their voices heard. That’s sometimes more important than you might think.
Elected positions often function like an exclusive fraternity, with officials largely confining their interactions and decision-making within this limited circle. That’s true on the local level and especially true for our state legislators, who are physically separated from the communities they represent for almost the entire legislative session.
Whether it’s state or local government, understanding of various issues is frequently shaped by this internal dynamic, as the constituents who placed them in office often remain unheard and, regrettably, forgotten. Even the most conscientious elected officials are not immune from groupthink, where the institution itself promotes conformity.
All of this underscores why it is important for citizens to contact their elected officials. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that they serve at the pleasure of the voter and are accountable to the voter, too. Your calls or emails provide a perspective on an issue the elected official may not have considered. The more people who call to express their opinions are difficult for these officials to dismiss. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, as the saying goes.
We urge readers to call or email their elected officials. It’s not only a way to share your opinion on matters of policy, but it’s also a chance to raise awareness of things the elected official may not know about.
It also provides an opportunity to thank elected officials when they do a good job and encourage them to keep up the good work.
The contact information provided in Insight Magazine is intended for that use. As the old saying goes: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. The more connected elected officials are to their constituents, the better service they are likely to provide.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
