If the dialogues don't produce anything except reinforced polarization along the lines of current opinions, then you are stuck with the decision makers either taking action or not taking action. Look at respected leaders from nearby towns or better yet, a nearby university. You would probably want to enlist a skilled facilitator for this session. Don't let this group become too large if there are more than about 30 (or even 20) people who want to participate, you need more than one dialogue session. In many communities, Sunday afternoons may be a good time for this conversation. We suggest that instead of a formal public hearing format in the town council meeting place, try to arrange chairs in a circle so that everyone feels equal and therefore potentially heard. If there are reasonable people on both sides of the issues, the dialogue could begin with a couple of people for and two people against the name change explaining calmly their own thought process.
#Freecol change name of town series
Next, you may want to arrange a series of dialogues in which it is well understood that no final decisions will be made. Regardless of the method, we suggest some way for people who are not inclined to become involved in a public way to express themselves.
Often people have opinions that they have not voiced. While any such poll would be enormously unscientific, it might give both sides an indication of public sentiment. If there is no operational town newsletter list, you might have to publicize what the link is. If you folks have not done so, you might consider sending a link to an online poll to your residents. So it is worth careful consideration of whether the name change will be worth all of those costs. It's true that there are some financial costs of the name change, including costs to institutions, non-profits, and businesses, as well as the municipal government itself.
They too must become more specific about why they think changing the name will represent a loss of history and recognition by others. Often those who oppose a name change are traditionalists or sometimes the long-time residents. If proponents think it will improve the business climate, what evidence do they have that this is true? If they have not talked with any existing or potential businesses, how can they be sure of the positive economic development benefits? Those who want to change the name must advance one or more compelling reasons why the name change will be advantageous or will remove a stigma. As you seem to sense, this requires patient dialogue. Now let's look at the controversy surrounding this town name change proposal. Those are the surface actions, although in most instances, your state laws governing incorporation and disincorporation of municipalities will be the behind-the-scenes controlling factor. Perhaps even more often, this matter is put to a vote of the people. Often it seems that the action is taken by a town council, but we have heard of one instance in which the mayor simply issued a proclamation.
Have you available information on best practices for moving forward on changing the name of a town in such a way that will bring people more together? My sense is that the process will take time and need careful, and caring strategies.Įditors Reply: Changing the name of a own is rare enough that we can't say that there are "best practices." Here are some observations.Īs to the process, you should have your town's attorney draft a formal legal opinion about the necessary steps. It is a difficult topic of conversation and shows how polarized we are.
#Freecol change name of town code
Visitor Question: What are the steps in the process of changing the name of a town? Our town and its attending unincorporated areas sharing the same zip code and services are divided on the issue.
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