In my months as the Council Member from the Sixth Councilmanic District in Newark, I am impressed with the concern that you have for your City and your openness in talking with me about your ideas and concerns.

Some of you have had the opportunity to speak with me as I've walked through your neighborhood during the election last year.  Others of you, I look forward to meeting soon.  As a fairly new elected Council Member, thank you for the warm response I've received from District Six and others around town.  It has certainly been an interesting and intense eleven months reading, discussing, questioning and learning about how the City operates and interacts with its residents.

It is my belief that the heart and soul of a great community are the passionate active volunteers.  Some serve on boards and committees, some work tirelessly on specific projects, others volunteer with police and parks departments.  Some simply send emails or faithfully call their elected officials, alerting them to issues of concern or ideas for the community.  The Council depends on these volunteers, their insight and constructive criticism, to help us keep our ears to the ground and finger on the pulse of Newark .  

I believe it is important to have citizen involvement in our government and the decisions that are made.  I believe it is important not only to encourage discussion, but to actively engage in it.  I believe it is important to bring divergent ideas to the table.  Currently, the agenda for City Council meetings is posted on the city web site, www.cityofnewarkde.us , and visitors can address the elected officials regarding other issues at the beginning of the meeting.  Information about the City can also be viewed on the public access channel provided by Comcast at Channel 22.

As your Council Representative, I want to hear from you on how we can better serve Newark and to promote an open and transparent government that welcomes citizen input and participation. 

The best way to reach me is to send me an email to stu.markham@gmail.com.  Email ensures a fast response, a good record of our conversation, additional follow-up and allows me to forward and track information with the City administration.  Realizing that not everyone has or likes email, I can also be reached at 456-1755 in the evenings and weekends.

I have been establishing email lists for the various neighborhoods.  It is more timely, targeted and less expensive to get information out this way. If you wish to be included, please send me your name, email address and neighborhood or street.

If you have a community or neighborhood meeting that you would like me attend, please let me know.

The Council and the City administrative staff are here to serve you and your family.