Okay, I looked at public convenience and was not real happy with the results which seemed to refer predominately to public toilets. I decided that rather than take a scatalogical tone with things it would be better to look at simply 'convenience'. (After all that is the word used in resolutions concerning Conditional Use Permits and Rezonings. I just thought it would be nice to say public convenience. You learn something new every day!)
Instead, I will start with a quote that hopefully will put things in perspective:
"No law can possibly meet the convenience of every
one: we must be satisfied if it be beneficial on the whole and to the
majority. "
Titus Livius
"Convenience" from: YourDictionary.com
noun
- the quality of being conveneient; fitness or serviceability
- personal well-being; comfort
- a condition personally favorable or suitable; advantage
- anything that adds to one's comfort or saves work; useful, handy, or helpful device, article, service, etc.
Now the question that comes to the forefront is: How does this apply to Planning Commission/Town Council decisions?
In order for any of these definitions to make sense, you must look at them from a perspective of the Town being a single entity (although made up of tens of thousands of single entities). The Planning Commission and Town Council have the tough job of evaluating the Convenience of any proposed change from the perspective of the Town, not just certain individuals. It is so easy for individuals to tend to look at what is best for him/her or what is best for one particular neighborhood or another, and to forget to look at the whole. This is the very reason why we have so many controversies concerning NIMBY (Not In My Backyard).
What is convenient for one person or group may not be convenient for another. The only way citizens have of helping our elected and appointed officials is in being present. Show up at meetings and have your say. But, perhaps even more importantly, LISTEN. Remember that you are part of a community and the goal is to do the best that can be done for the community as a whole. Be willing to do a bit of 'give and take' in order make things happen that are good for the Town.
From the Town Government, I ask that you speak as well as listen. I want to hear why you are making the decisions you are making. Help me to understand how what you propose to change is good for the Town. Show me that it is the Town's best interest that is being served rather than one certain person or group. Simply put, just help me understand and allow me the opportunity to be a good citizen who actively participates in my government.