'Citizens AKademY' has first meeting

Feb. 6—ASHLAND — Several citizens of Ashland attended the first "Citizens AKademY" program aimed at allowing insight into daily functions and responsibilities of local government.

Community members heard from a number of city officials Tuesday evening explaining the various facets of Ashland's government services, functions and activities. Mike Graese, Ashland's city manager, said the focus of the first session was setting the foundation for how the city operates.

"It really allows us to take down some of the mystery of city government and answer questions about why the city does the things that we do," Graese said. "Being able to come here provides a nice two-way-conversation."

The free program will take place once a week on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next five weeks. Grease said this session and five others will help contribute to progress in Ashland.

"I love it," Graese said. "It's all about transparency. I am proud of what the city does and I am proud of what our staff does. We are always trying to improve and the only way we can improve is by hearing content from our citizens."

Keith McBride was among the 10 citizens signed in at the meeting and said traffic lights were a driving reason for his appearance. He said he signed up to be part of the AKademY to increase his knowledge of the inner-workings of government, specifically things to do with transportation.

"All the traffic lights in this area just drives me crazy. There's a lot of stuff that I never even really considered. I am kind of narrow-minded in my life, but looking at all the different things discussed tonight, it's really beneficial," McBride said.

McBride said he would "absolutely" like to see more sessions take place, after the final session concludes in March. He said events like these are a benefit to the area and will give a better picture of what's going on minimizing frustration on social media and in person.

"It will decrease a lot of frustration in people. and put people at ease," he said.

Folks at the Tuesday evening meeting heard from a number of Ashland city officials: Matt Perkins, mayor; Amanda Clark, city commissioner; and Jim Moore, city attorney — all working "to empower citizens and stakeholders with a deeper understanding of city government operations."

Perkins addressed the crowd welcoming them and told the group they will receive a "first-hand look" inside Ashland's government. He turned to the crowd to have the attending members introduce themselves and a woman admitted she didn't know who Perkins was.

Perkins responded to the comment, "This is exactly what the program is for."

In the two-hour long session, the city officials highlighted grant planning, downtown redevelopment, utilities, forms of local government and the difference between an ordinance and municipal order.

The program requires a minimum attendance of four out of the six sessions in order for participants to receive a certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony.

As previously reported, the number of selected participants was capped at 15.

The next session will be conducted on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.

(606) 326-2657 — ajohnson@dailyindependent.com