Democracy can't work without informed citizens. The founders believed, according to former Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black "that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the well being of the public."

"In the end, the burden lies with each of us as citizens," says former Indiana Congressman, Lee Hamilton, who served as vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission and is on the president's Homeland Security Advisory Council. "A democratic society depends on its citizens separating the wheat from the chaff, forming good judgments, and putting pressure on their representatives to act accordingly. If ordinary people can't do this or don't want to devote the time and energy, the country suffers. No matter how good our leadership, if we don't have discriminating citizens, this nation will not work very well."

The citizens in Lake County who have devoted countless hours to implementing and successfully running a community radio station are fulfilling that directive. They are exemplars of good citizenship, a model for all of us to look to for guidance.

Lake County citizens  have benefited, from the efforts of these few, by becoming more informed on every aspect of local public life. Voices across the political, social, educational  and cultural spectrum are part of the daily programming offered by KPFZ.

We urge our county elected officials to support and to endorse the invaluable work that Congressman Thompson devoted to securing the lion's share of the funding for Lake County's community radio station. Our Board of Supervisors can fulfill their pledge to work for the good of all of Lake County's citizens and be responsive to Lake County by approving the request for funds that the KPFZ staff has requested. This one-time grant will allow them to continue and widen their work, furthering the public good for all of Lake County.

These tireless volunteers believe that the foundation of a healthy democracy is an informed, engaged citizenry. We urge our elected officials to validate that core tenet with an affirmative vote, supporting KPFZ on Feb. 13.

Wanda Harris, chair

Lake County Democratic Central Committee

{mos_sb_discuss:3}