Question from AndyofTroy

Thank you for joining the KYNews.org Q&A forum, Mr. Bryant. I'll toss out the first question by asking the same thing I asked Mr. Ward: What's the single most important message you hope to convey to voters in these days leading up to the election?

Michael Bryant answered:

I think it is very important that citizens should have a voice in their government. President Abraham Lincoln referred to governments as being of the people, by the people, and for the people. That was true in the 1860’s, it is still true today. To better serve its citizens governments must seek input from them. I feel the Commission could have saved itself from a lot of grief on issues such as alcohol sales, Catalpa Loop, and even the recent flap over the memorial by actively seeking public input. This can be achieved by conducting public hearings and forums, and by setting aside a time during every commission meeting for public comment. Currently if a citizen wanted to address the commission, they have to fill out a slip of paper and receive permission beforehand. If I’m elected Commissioner I will work to make sure that all voices are heard and that the Commission operates with complete transparency. Government should always be accessible and open.