DISTRICT 3
J U L Y
KITCHEN TABLE P O L I T I C S
Conversations, Concerns, and Community News from District 3
KITCHEN TABLE POLITICS ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This publication is built on the idea of kitchen table politics, the conversations families have at home, with friends, with neighbors, and after church about the issues that affect their daily lives. These are the concerns that matter most to our community, from public safety and education to jobs, housing, infrastructure, and opportunities for our children. Our goal is to share useful information, highlight local opportunities, and help residents better understand and access the resources available through local
government and community organizations. I believe an informed community is an empowered community. By sharing knowledge, encouraging involvement, and working together, we can strengthen District 3, support one another, and continue building a better Waycross for everyone. By Shawn Sanders Waycross City Commissioner, District 3
ELECTED to Do a Job Understanding the Role of Your District Commissioner One of the questions I hear most often is, "What exactly does a City Commissioner do?" It is a fair question, and one that deserves a clear answer. First and foremost, my responsibility as your District 3 Commissioner is to represent the people, businesses, organizations, institutions, and neighborhoods within District 3. I was elected by the residents of this district to be your voice in local government, to listen to your concerns, advocate for your interests, and ensure that your perspectives are considered when decisions are made.
Shawn Sanders District 3 Commissioner
While each commissioner represents a specific district, no commissioner serves alone. The City Commission functions as a governing body, and meaningful progress is achieved when commissioners work together to address the needs of the entire City of Waycross. Every vote we cast and every decision we make should balance the needs of our individual districts with the overall well-being of the city as a whole.
One of the most important responsibilities of the City Commission is establishing policy and adopting local laws, commonly known as ordinances. The Commission approves the city's budget, sets priorities, allocates resources, and provides direction on matters that affect public safety, infrastructure, economic development, utilities, parks, housing, and many other services residents rely on every day. It is equally important to understand what the Commission does not do. Commissioners do not manage the day-to-day operations of city government. We do not supervise employees, direct department staff, assign work orders, hire or fire personnel, or manage daily city services. Those responsibilities belong to the City Manager and the professional staff who operate our departments. Continued on
PAGE 2