The growth of citizen participation in environmental issues is increasing with each decade. This study presents an argument that an active citizen participation process makes a difference in governmental activities. It provides a positive influence and contributes to decision-making, policy direction, and outcomes, as well as a "stronger democracy."
This study compares two Washington State programs, one that dealt with water quality deterioration in Puget Sound and the other with radioactive waste disposal at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. In each case, the State established new programs to address these issues. The Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (PSWQA) and the Nuclear Waste Advisory Council (NWAC) were charged with ensuring an active citizen participation process in these respective issues. This study analyzes the effectiveness of the citizen participation process in these two programs.
Both programs were effective in fulfilling their basic mission. However, PSWQA was more effective in the citizen participation process. It involved more people at higher participation levels, fostered organizational and policy changes, and influenced citizens to take positive actions in local communities.
The study develops a citizen participation model that identifies key elements that lead to effective citizen participation. These include a proactive, inclusive mode of operations that use the talents of citizens and experts; support of administrative officials and staff; stable source of financial resources; increased authority and responsibility to citizens; and development of a high degree of trust among stakeholders impacted by agency decisions.
The study also analyzes citizen-expert and citizen-agency dichotomies and the dynamic tension in these working relationships. Tension is reduced when there is an open, democratic process where experts and citizens work together; and when it is acknowledged that "mixed technological decisions" can be resolved in a "shared-power world."
This study concludes that the citizen participation process performs an important public information function, and promotes a "strong democracy" that can influence and contribute to policy decisions and outcomes. Inclusion of a citizen participation process in governmental programs may not guarantee success. However, it will ensure that governmental decisions better reflect the public's thoughts and concerns, who are ultimately impacted by these decisions.
The growth of citizen participation in environmental issues is increasing with each decade. This study presents an argument that an active citizen participation process makes a difference in governmental activities. It provides a positive influence and contributes to decision-making, policy direction, and outcomes, as well as a "stronger democracy."This study compares two Washington State programs, one that dealt with water quality deterioration in Puget Sound and the other with radioactive waste disposal at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. In each case, the State established new programs to address these issues. The Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (PSWQA) and the Nuclear Waste Advisory Council (NWAC) were charged with ensuring an active citizen participation process in these respective issues. This study analyzes the effectiveness of the citizen participation process in these two programs.Both programs were effective in fulfilling their basic mission. However, PSWQA was more effective in the citizen participation process. It involved more people at higher participation levels, fostered organizational and policy changes, and influenced citizens to take positive actions in local communities.The study develops a citizen participation model that identifies key elements that lead to effective citizen participation. These include a proactive, inclusive mode of operations that use the talents of citizens and experts; support of administrative officials and staff; stable source of financial resources; increased authority and responsibility to citizens; and development of a high degree of trust among stakeholders impacted by agency decisions.The study also analyzes citizen-expert and citizen-agency dichotomies and the dynamic tension in these working relationships. Tension is reduced when there is an open, democratic process where experts and citizens work together; and when it is acknowledged that "mixed technological decisions" can be resolved in a "shared-power world."This study concludes that the citizen participation process performs an important public information function, and promotes a "strong democracy" that can influence and contribute to policy decisions and outcomes. Inclusion of a citizen participation process in governmental programs may not guarantee success. However, it will ensure that governmental decisions better reflect the public's thoughts and concerns, who are ultimately impacted by these decisions.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
