In an effort to increase citizen participation and representation of constituents in board activities, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has moved their Thursday, April 4 Working Session meeting to the Sylvan Township Hall, 18027 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
The agenda items for this meeting are relevant to challenges faced throughout the county, but particularly in the western townships:
- Broadband Inequity: Access to affordable high-speed broadband has become a major challenge for county residents, and while some communities have may options, there are parts of the county where no options exist, whatsoever. With the growing role the internet plays in all our lives, lack of access will put portions of the community at a severe disadvantage in terms of economy, education, health and job opportunities.
- The Washtenaw County Broadband Subcommittee will be on hand to summarize their recommendations for this broadband inequity that plagues so many of our western Washtenaw neighbors.
- Chelsea Public School staff will provide insight on the impact of broadband access on students and the educational system.
- Lyndon Township leaders will review the actions they have taken to provide broadband access to their residents.
- Teen Mental Health: An increasing concern that faces all our communities are the challenges within our high schools, and the increased number of suicides among this age group.
- The Board will learn about the status of teen mental health from a local high school student.
- Dexter schools will provide information on their efforts to address this issue.
- Information and data from local experts in this field will also be presented at the meeting.
Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Maciejewski represents District 1, which includes Chelsea, Sylvan Township, Dexter and Scio, “Hosting a meeting of the countywide board in the western communities was a focus for me as soon as I took office in January.” He added, “This is a great opportunity for residents on the county’s west side to comment on issues important to them. I’m excited to have the Commission and county staff come to my district to hear directly from people.” Maciejewski added, “I welcome the opportunity to travel to other areas of the county in the future to discuss challenges they may be facing as well.”
District 3’s Shannon Beeman adds, “Bringing government to the people is a concept that makes sense. The issues we will be discussing are important to every resident of the county—particularly significant to our rural residents. Moving the Board of Commissioners closer to the people will help to get a larger conversation started—discussing real solutions together.”
The Working Session meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
