Citizen Summit helps Town of Normal prioritize taxpayer dollars

(Photo Courtesy of Nord for Normal Facebook Page)

NORMAL — The Normal Town Council will host the first-ever Citizen Summit from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Normal Community Activity Center.

The event, otherwise known as a community conversation, is an opportunity for citizens to provide input as to what direction they would like to see the town go, especially when it comes to how they would like to see the town prioritize the taxpayer dollars.

While the discussion is intended for the public to discuss the town’s needs, such as water, sewer and road projects and police protection, it is also a time for community members to express their wants.

Council member Stan Nord said that the event will be completely led by the citizens with the help of a facilitator. Nord further explained that the council will have no authority over the direction of the discussions.

“My only expectation coming out of it is that we will have a very broad and diverse understanding of what the community at large would like to see,” said Nord.

“Often members of the community may complain about decisions that have been made and one of the common responses is that we explain that they had an opportunity to talk at some other public event and waiting until it gets to the town council level is often too late….this is the opportunity for people to speak.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Nord explained the town only has so much money, he believes it’s critical to set priorities to shape Normal.

“I welcome every perspective. There are so many perspectives out there,” Nord said.

“Letting people know is the most important thing because that is the best way to get a diverse representation of the entire community.”