For the past few months I have been posting to the East Ridge Neighborhood Watch Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/586776081348563/

I thought if more people could see how much crime and where the crime is located, they might pay more attention to what is going on in their neighborhood. In most cases, I receive “thank you” messages for alerting the residents on what’s reported to the Hamilton County 911 site.

https://www.hc911.org/responses.php

I am careful to never post juvenile offenses, EMS calls, fire assists, missing persons, and AFA (Automatic Fire Alarm) since it will be censored and not included on ERNW site.

For example, I wanted to help get volunteers in the city of East Ridge to help paint Spring Creek Elementary School on March 4th. I even promised the mayor I would do so to help get the word out. About five minutes after posting the announcement, I was messaged by one of the ERNW site administrators that my post was not suitable. Well, if it does not belong there, where does it belong?  I am not the only member of ERNW site that is constantly being censored!

I will continue to post the 911 active incidents for East Ridge on ERNW site, however, I must seek another alternative Website that will allow “The truth and nothing but the truth.” I shall be using East Ridge News Online as well because I know I won’t be censored there.

http://www.eastridgenewsonline.com

To become more involved in my city, I have been attending the city council meetings lately. I wanted to see what topics the council discusses and votes on during its meetings.

The council starts with “Old Business” and after that the rubber meets the road!  When items they discuss are brought up, it seems as if the council members do not have an open mind about topics. Before you know it, some members get things passed before you blink an eye!

I must say I wish that more people who are concerned about our little city would attend the council meetings. We need to be able to ask questions and make statements if we want to change things for the better.

Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00pm (March 23rd meeting is cancelled).

I challenge everyone to attend a council meeting and let the council members know that they work for the city and the citizens and not for themselves and conflicts of interest galore. Every East Ridge citizen has an opportunity to sign the roster and speak what’s on their mind in five minutes or less. I mainly have concerns that all those citizens who wish to return East Ridge to the way it was when we were kids are taking no action.

Without getting involved with the council, voting, making suggestions for city improvements and commenting on city development (public or private), controversial rezoning will continue to go on, even if the citizens might disagree.

_ Laura Mathis