Article Review: Getting the Public Involved
Article Review: Getting the Public Involved
The article provides a piece of information about the reaction of the concerned citizens of Rushmore and Pleasantville about building a four-lane highway in the neighborhood. It also presents a systematized list of the groups and associations who opposed to the new road project and introduces the key reasons of their concerns: “In addition to the road construction project, they are concerned about the elimination of existing farmland to build private dwellings or commercial structures.” ” (Communication & Participation: Getting The Public Involved, 1999-2000). The article thus tries to identify the opinion of the majority towards the future initiative and current state of affairs and provide justifications to this. Accordingly, “Getting the Public Involved” aims to show the full picture of the discussions and viewpoints which were raised among the residents in accordance to the latest news.
Authors
Even though the article's author is unknown, it is evident that he/she is well-aware of the realities of the described area and has an objective and extensive overview of the residents and the groups formed within it. Judging from these facts, it can be deduced that the author is a local.
Audience
The article is evidently from the local newspaper, written for all the residents, not depending on their background or occupation. This may be proved by the fact that there is neither particular terminology nor insightful information from some certain sphere used. The article could be of particular relevance, though, for the city authorities, as they'd need to keep track on the actions of population, and for engineers, for whom the news about building a road would definitely be a matter of interest.
Relevance
The article deals with the past events which were highly relevant at a certain point of time, as it includes the review and analysis of the latest news, but it has definitely lost its value and relevance now.
Research/Sources
Drawing Conclusions
Because of the fact that the article provided quite a profound analysis of different community groups, as well as explained and justified their attitude and main concerns towards the upcoming issues, I truly enjoyed reading the article. It was well-structured and clearly written, together with information in there which was well-apprehensive and objective.
I believe that the opinion of the residents make a great influence on the way how innovations should be made on a local basis, and whether it should be made or not at all. Considering the concerns and ideas of community would assure better performance during the project implementation. What is more, the article enabled me to look at this topic from different perspectives, and consider both sides of the issue. It was also very affirming in the way how the citizens are ready and willing to stand up for their ideas, and the rights, and strive to make their voices be heard, which was really inspiring to read about.
References
Communication & Participation: Getting The Public Involved. (1999 - 2000). Thinking Beyond the
Pavement Case Study.
