Sidewalks, streetlights and schools were some of the major issues raised by residents at a recent District 6 town hall meeting, and Chattanooga City Council District 6 representative Carol Berz's response was clear.
"Don't assume that everybody in the city knows everything that's going on in your neighborhood without you having to tell them," she said. "I've ridden around the district. I've noticed things that I think 'Gee, I might want to change that,' but guess what? You speak for yourselves. You need to get in touch with me, and we'll take it from there."
With issues relating to brush pickup, streetlights and sidewalks, Berz and Chattanooga Public Works Administrator Lee Norris encouraged residents to utilize the city's 311 service. They agreed that calling in or visiting the 311 website and getting a tracking number is the best way to proceed.
"You don't have to call a council person when your trash doesn't get picked up, call 311," said Norris. "Call and get a service request number and write that down. If nothing happens, you call back, and if nothing happens after that, then you call Carol."
Norris reminded residents that brush pickup is by request only instead of being on a monthly route as it once was. He said that although this shift may not seem more efficient, it saved the city an estimated $750,000 last year.
During the meeting, Berz also encouraged area residents to get involved with their neighborhood associations or start one in areas without active associations.
"The way we get action in the community is often through neighborhood associations that I will be coming to to hear things specific to your neighborhood," she said. "And I will then advise you on how to organize to take [the city] on. It's not going to cost you any money but how else can we hear your voice? In all seriousness, the city is great with working people if we hear your voice."
Several residents expressed their concerns with local schools. Berz reminded those in attendance that the city has no influence over the schools, and encouraged residents to work with their school board representative.
"Your messages are heard loud and clear," she said. "But what I don't want to do is spend a lot of time on this, because I can't do anything about it. You've got to get organized and you've got to go to school board meetings. You're the people who put people in office or don't."