Citizens have a right to participate in the making of decisions that affect their lives. Being open and transparent, and involving those affected in decision-making is key to ensuring people participate in measures designed to protect their own health and that of the wider population. We have noted with great concern, gaps in transparency, and accountability by government agencies charged with managing COVID-19 resources.
County governments need to invest in and utilize interactive communication channels with broad reach and provide adequate notice for such fora to enable citizens to plan accordingly for the meetings. In regard to engagement between elected leaders and citizens, there is a clear need for leaders to set aside specific days to engage directly with citizens as low opportunities of engagement diminish the citizens’ ability to hold their leaders to account
