Although often under valued and under reported, local government has the most significant impact on citizens’ lives. The outcome of a County Commission or City Council vote on sales tax, road projects, or water facilities impacts citizens daily.

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Although often under valued and under reported, local government has the most significant impact on citizens’ lives. The outcome of a County Commission or City Council vote on sales tax, road projects, or water facilities impacts citizens daily. Every time a citizen purchases a soda, they could pay an increased tax. That tax might go to reconstructing a local highway, which can change traffic patterns. Even inaction on repairing storm water systems could create major damage during a later hurricane.
These impacts make it essential that citizens pay as much, if not more attention, to the decisions of their local officials. Fortunately, the Internet has made easier for individuals to monitor how and when these decisions are made. Most local governing bodies in the Tampa Bay area stream their meetings live and retain a video archive of meetings online.
In this assignment, students will watch the January 27th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Transportation Workshop, which is available at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ESXoCntL4. A BOCC Workshop is an opportunity for the Commissioners to gain information and ask questions about a specific topic and ask questions. Generally, no formal action is taken during a workshop.
After watching the video, students will write an essay that addresses the following prompts.
Provide background on the Hillsborough BOCC, including the names and a brief background of the sitting members. Professional backgrounds can be brief. (1-2 paragraphs)
Explain the purpose of the meeting and why it is important to the citizens of Hillsborough County. (1-2 paragraphs)
Provide a summary of the meeting, including (1) who presented and what information they provided, (2) the topics the commissioners seemed to feel were most relevant, and (3) any information you believed to be the most important or surprising. (4) Note what question you thought was the most insightful or surprising. (3 or more paragraphs)
Close with a summary of how you believed this information is or is not relevant. Include two questions you would ask the presenters and/or the Commissioners if you had the opportunity. (1-2 paragraphs)
Ensure to provide proper citations for all information that is not your own observation. For instance, the Commissioner’s backgrounds will probably be pulled from outside resources.
An electronic copy should be submitted through Canvas by the due date. The written assignment will be subject to anti-plagiarism software. The written assignment should adhere to the following general structure.
RE-READ THIS SECTION BEFORE SUBMITTING WORK. Paying attention to these small details can earn you points!
The paper should be three pages
Font: 12 pt., Times New Roman, double spacing, 1-inch margins, with page numbers in bottom, right-hand footer.
Name, course number, and assignment due date should be written in the top right-hand corner.
Papers should be written in paragraph form, with complete sentences. No bullet points.
Grammar and spelling will be taken into account in grading. If you are unsure of your writing skills, contact the HCC writing center; their input will benefit you in this class and in the future.
Any ideas or words used that are not your own should be properly cited, MLA format. The instructor prefers footnotes, but in-text citations are acceptable. Include a works cited/bibliography as the last page.