Northeast Michigan saw back-to-back-to-back packed local government meetings in recent days as the boards of commissioners in Alpena, Presque Isle, and Alcona counties considered a resolution that would declare their counties Second Amendment sanctuaries.

The Alpena County board tabled the decision. Presque Isle County approved it in a split vote. Alcona County approved an amended resolution that did not include the word sanctuary.

We take no position on the merits of the resolution itself, but we will say we were thrilled to see such zealous civic participation at those meetings.

We just wish we could see it more.

The local government tax rates, spending priorities, employee policies, ordinances, contracts, and more that make up the typical county, city, township, village, or school board meeting arguably have a more immediate and direct impact on your daily life than the ultimately non-binding resolutions considered in recent days.

Those routine decisions are the decisions that affect when your street gets plowed or repaired, how often police patrol your neighborhoods, whether there are windmills or medical marijuana facilities in your neighborhood, and how much money comes out of your pocket.

You ought to have a say in those decisions.

And the best way to do that is to show up.

If nothing else, attending government meetings and watching your elected officials in action will make you a better-informed voter next time you head to the polls.

So, the Second Amendment sanctuary turnout was great, but we’d like to see that kind of participation all the time.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)