I have often mentioned either here in words or in conversation that coming up with one thousand words every week, words that one hopes are more than just personal drivel, can be a bit daunting when subjects don’t readily come to mind.
When I hit a spell of writer’s block during a busy week, I opted out of submitting a column for last week’s edition. When the issue came out, I read the editorial offered up by guest columnist Dan Pulcrano; I looked up Mr. Pulcrano online and the man has impressive journalistic credentials, so is one to pay attention to.
What impressed me about his take on one aspect of today’s political landscape was his economy of words, his brevity while still getting his point across was concise yet comprehensive. In creative writing this is know as “writing down the bones” where all meaty wordage is left off and just the skeleton of facts, or fiction, is ample to hold the reader’s attention without leaving out pertinent information; it is writing that takes years to develop well (Ernest Hemingway wrote the final chapter to his classic “A Farewell to Arms” with 47 alternate endings, finally choosing the most concise).
I want to imitate that type of brevity with a call to those interested in public service and are in mind of where to start; for any such individuals, and they are out there, I have a suggestion.
In March of next year, an opening will appear on the City of King Planning Commission. Planning commissions are a vital part of the growth of any city. They are legally mandated groups that help residents, businesses and property owners with land use regulation, building and housing codes and community development. They are one of the commissions that act in an advisory role to the municipal body. The planning commission in King City meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays in the council chambers at city hall.
If you are someone who wants to be involved in your community and a seat on the commission interests you, then I would suggest attending some meetings, seek out a commissioner and ask questions and speak with city staff about the role of commissioner. It is a position you will find both interesting and rewarding.
And that is it; a column that is the soul of brevity. And I fully expect that when I see this column come Wednesday, I will be shocked at how little of the page it fills and will no doubt return to the full 1,000 words for the following week.
Take care. Peace.
