What can I do? Here is a simple guide for local political action which you can print out and distribute to other local activists:

1. Act Personally

It is your right to express your opinions. It is your right to participate in your local government.

Write to the mayor, city commissioners and county officials. Tell them how you feel about the issues. Most public officials and agencies can be e-mailed.

Letters to the editor of local papers are a good way to influence local lawmakers and also to rally citizens.

Hold the media accountable for biased reporting. Do not hesitate to call your local media outlet if you see evidence of unfair or slanted reporting.

Insist on maintaining and protecting the right of citizens to speak out at commission meetings and in other forums about issues affecting the city, county or region.

People who disagree with your position also have the right to state their opinion. Treat them with respect and courtesy. Avoid personal attacks. The weakest side will resort to these tactics. Remember this rule: He who throws mud loses ground.

Consider joining a local political committee or forming your own group. Grass roots groups have done a good job in presenting the views of citizens and organizing people for political action.

If you're not a joiner or don't like meetings, remember that individuals working alone or in small informal working groups can achieve great things.

Work for the cause, not for the glory. If attention is what you want, watch what you wish for.

Register to vote. If you are a citizen of the United States and are 18 years old, you have the right to vote. Exercise your right at the ballot box.

Consider running for public office.

Apply for a seat on a city or county board. Most of these posts are appointed by the commission.

2. Attend Public Events

Attend commission and board meetings and see for yourself what goes on at these meetings. The commission usually meets twice a month and time is allocated for members of the public to address the commission on any issue.

Insist that the city inform and involve the public in discussion of issues under consideration.

Request officials give more than the required legal notice. Ask for as much advanced notice as possible when issues of interest to you are to be discussed by the commission.

Demand honesty from all public officials, the city manager and city workers.

Ask city officials to register lobbyists and insist they maintain and make public records of meetings with all outside parties about city business.

3. Inform Yourself

Newspapers and web sites contain lots of information about public policy and local issues. Most newspapers maintain archives and some archives can be accessed online.

Many public records can be accessed online.

Search the Internet and official web sites for useful information. Ask local governments to post meeting agendas and minutes of official meetings on the Internet and to provide contact information for public officials.

Request public records and information from the city or county clerk. In most cases, they are required to provide and copy any written document. Tip: Request the public record from the legal custodian of the record.

Ask city employees for information. Be respectful. Never ask anyone to violate policy or law regarding the release of information or records.

4. Share Information

Start a newsletter, web site, blog, e-mail list, online bulletin board or chat room.

Tell other people how they can help too. Reproduce this guide and give a copy to other local activists.