By Julia Watson
Sycamore City Reporter
Today, the citizens of Girls State had the honor of starting their day with an educational and encouraging speech from Lisa Matthews, a member of Pima County Facilities Management.
She began by explaining the Board of Supervisors and its role in protecting the welfare, safety, and economic development of the community.
This board fosters safety through numerous initiatives and policies that affect things such as water, law enforcement, and more. Policy development operates like a utilitarian government.
In other words, this approach to government works to establish laws that promote the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.
Additionally, policies are passed through a typical democratic process that involves lengthy discussions, debates, community actions, and voting.
Lisa Matthews provided an excellent example of how a utilitarian government operates in flood management within Pima County.
The Department Director, after discussing with those around her, proposed a solution to the flooding problem. They suggested creating a loop that serves not only as a way to manage floods, but it’s also used as a recreational path for walking and biking.
Though this project requires lots of time, funding, debates and discussions, citizens can truly appreciate the work of the county government through how their efforts have improved their own lives.
Unlike utilitarian rule, authoritarian government involves little to no democratic process. This form of policy development is not typically seen in the United States. However, we saw this happen in real time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic rampaged across Arizona, there was no time for democracy. Policymakers had to rapidly instate laws and orders to quarantine and close businesses.
In addition to her discussion of policies, I would also like to touch on the encouragement she provided all of us with.
As stated by Lisa Matthews, “Everyone has a talent that you can contribute to your communities.” This talent can look very different from person to person, whether it is public speaking, leadership, event organization, creativity, and much more.
Many of us may have these abilities that will never surface if we don’t tap into them. In other words, the more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the better you understand your own abilities.
Though our talents can look different from one another, who’s to say that you cannot create a meaningful impact if you make the effort search for your own.