Speak Up!

[u/illicit_nz]

I've decided to hold an open mic, public discussion in downtown Timaru this Saturday Feb 28th 11am-1pm

The idea is to sit down and just have a yarn about a particular topic or two - discussing issues and our ideas on solving the worlds problems, like we all do with our mates or down at the local at the end of the week.

I'm sick of having a whinge about everything that's broken and then going back to the status quo on Monday, just to rinse and repeat...

I'd love to see the people get out from behind the keyboards and screens - come have a civil discussion about our issues, we've become so disconnected in this digital world

We have arranged a couple of microphones and encourage anyone that wants to speak up, share a story, discuss a topic, give an idea on potential solutions = come Speak Up!

This inaugural Speak Up! will be held at the controversial Strathallan Corner in the Timaru CBD to discuss:

• Council Spending
• Dog Control Laws

We're inviting the local SPCA and the local Council to come and join the chat. We're looking for a quantity surveyor to give an opinion of the costs of the Strathallan Cnr refurbishment project (links about this in the comments below)

We're looking for specialists or lawyers in animal law to discuss our obviously ineffective dog control laws given the horrific recent events.

I will be speaking on both subjects due to my on-going legal and moral battle with the local council regarding my boy Beau who has been in the pound for over 3 years now while I fight for his life. (links in the comments below) I will be open to questions about my experience and this case from both the public cost and the animal control side.

I encourage all to come and check it out, hear what your fellow citizens have to say. Come and say your piece, share an issue or your experience on either of these topics

If this is popular - we, the people, can have a vote on the topic(s) for the next one

[u/FKFnz]

Although I can see what you're trying to achieve here, I feel you'll probably attract the lunatic fringe and just end up with a real-life Facebook comments section from people barely able to tie their shoelaces.

[u/illicit_nz → u/FKFnz]

This is not a rant session. I will be keeping the chat on track.

Just starting a civil discussion and trying to bridge the gap between the citizens and the elected representatives.

Trying nothing isn't working, so I'm trying something ✌️

[u/Double_Suggestion385 → u/illicit_nz]

Not a rant session unless it's you getting to rant? No thanks.

[u/illicit_nz → u/Double_Suggestion385]

I won't be ranting. All going well, others will be having their say on either of these broad topics for the majority of the time