"In the Town of South Bristol, the board members surveyed citizens to ask them if they wanted to build a new firehouse. To sustain public interest in this proposed venture, we followed the survey with a broadcast e-mail and articles about the firehouse to increase attendance at meetings.

The increase in attendance at meetings encouraged more discussion and feedback. It kept the issue on the community's radar screen and increased the community's participation in the decision-making process."

• Thomas Hawks II
• Councilman
• Town of South Bristol