Should public managers and environmental planners engage the public when they know that the public's knowledge is limited about the science of an environmental issue? If so, how would you go about doing that? If not, what are the consequences of not including them?
It is pretty clear from the articles that we read this week that informaton is important when citizens and their community is involved. Whether it is a new street light or the process of removing deadly weapons. I feel that even if the science is limited some information is better than no information. Also public managers and environmental planners should be upfront with citizens and tell them what they do know, and what they are missing. By making sure all of the information is on the table no one will feel misled, or cheated by their government. This in turn will give the citizens the feeling of involvement and ownership of this issue. Citizens should know if there is missing information or science what is being done about it. If information is missing information and citizens feel they were not well informed this could lead to a derailment of the project and animosity among the citizens. Information is power and getting everything out on the table is important, not just for the planners but for the community at large.
So this is my blog...not really sure what I am going to do with it, but I had to create it for two of my classes in my masters program at ASU. Last week I turned in my final paper and I am graduating next week. But I still have this blog. So I guess I will continue to write and see where it takes me. :)
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