Summerlanders discussed their thoughts about good governance at a Conversation Cafe on Oct. 22.
The discussion was organized by the Summerland Philosophers’ Cafe committee.
Barbara Thorburn, one of the event organizers, said around 75 people participated, including five high school students. More than 300 comments were received.
She said terms such as integrity, intelligence, accountability, communication, trust, values and vision were often used to describe good governance. “Feedback and accountability create a sense of community, which is good for the whole,” she said.
The importance of planning for the future was also discussed.
“Good governance has a long-term vision,” she said, summarizing some of the comments.
Participants also talked about positive public engagement as a way to ensure good governance is practiced.
Thorburn will post a summary of the comments online, either on the Summerland Philosophers’ Cafe Facebook page or on a website.