Forget meetings, try city council dinners

Do you know that I have lived in Irving for seven years and have never participated in any vote that dealt with my city? That is, until this fall. Not only did I vote in the controversial “beer and whine” referendum, but I also learned what a referendum is. (Man, you gotta love school!)

Besides basic textbook curriculum, my government teacher, Dr. Bach, also invites a variety of people to speak to his classes. We have had mayors, council members, and public relations representatives share their stories with us and answer our questions. I think this is my favorite part. For the first time, I am able to see our city leaders as citizens who work hard, sometimes at jobs other than their elected positions. They also have families to raise and support, and they want the place where they live to be the best possible.

Unfortunately, the fervor I had for our speakers didn’t seem to transfer to my test scores, so I was in search of the ever-elusive bonus points. Applying my newfound interest in the city, I decided I would go see my council members and mayor at work. So when I got out of class on Oct. 21, I found my way to City Hall and sat in on my very first council meeting.

I know what you are thinking: “How fun can a business meeting be?” I guess as fun as you make it and, believe me, I was enthralled. With my agenda in hand, I found a seat in the center and watched the goings-on as the City Hall was readied for the bimonthly meeting. I looked over at the nameplates on the half-circle of chairs in the front and recognized a few.

James Dickens and Beth Van Duyne, both council members, had both spoken to our class. Joe Putnam, mayor of Irving, was scheduled to speak soon.

The meeting began with Mayor Putnam bringing it to order, with maybe a fourth of the seats in the audience full, and two vacant ones on the council. The agenda was a little intimidating with 29 items (which might as well have been in Latin).

Of those 29 items, only two were discussed during the meeting, both dealing with zoning issues. Each had citizens who represented their support and then the council called for anyone who opposed. Each topic was voted on, and all were unanimous. The meeting then adjourned to a citizen’s forum where anyone with prior permission could speak on matters not listed in the agenda.

After this, I made my way to the front to speak to Councilman Dickens, who had already recognized me as “the girl in Dr. Bach’s class that asked the tough questions.” I was excited that he remembered me, and I let him know that I was there because of a newfound interest and bonus points. He introduced me to the mayor and we began talking about school and Irving. I wasn’t ready to leave yet, but a mob of eager government students were waiting for their turn, so I said my thanks and began to walk away.

Councilman Dickens stopped me and asked if I would like to join them for dinner.

Me? Dinner? Huh?

I tried to make an excuse, but he was persistent. I was nervous about what I would talk about, and I even had to call my mom for a pep talk. What started off as a normal day of work, school, and bonus points ended up as a casual dinner with my elected officials. Over chips and salsa, we had light conversation. Beth and I talked about food, James talked about his Harley, and Joe talked about his upcoming speaker slot in Dr. Bach’s class. Normally, I love the center of attention, but on this night, I sat back, thinking about this dinner and those sitting around the table with me. I realized we have a pretty amazing council – ordinary citizens who want to make Irving better for everyday citizens like you and me.

The city’s mission statement says: “The City of Irving will respect, value and respond to the dynamic needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.” The energy and enthusiasm that they have for the city is tangible, and I know that as I interacted and conversed with my representatives of Irving, I felt this mission statement was alive.

Who knows? Maybe someday I, too, will sit on the council and lead my city towards our vision.

Irving, Texas – The City of Choice … Now and in the Future!”

— Krissi Sims is a student in one of Gabriel Bach’s government courses