Although federal politics plague the media landscape, individuals should increase their attentiveness to local politics and local governing bodies.

In lieu of an acute focus on national politics, local governments exist to orient policy toward the needs of their constituents and to directly provide services to their specific locality. While the media coverage places a high priority on the federal government, local policies and governments are considerably more direct in their impact on the day-to-day lives of people.

The federal government, including Congress, can appear disconnected from the reality of everyday life. Local governing bodies, such as City or County government, are more likely to listen to their constituents and to advocate for the interests of said locality. Despite the flurry of executive orders being pushed from the Trump administration, local government can counter the harmful impacts of such executive orders.

As local constituents, it is prudent to communicate concerns to local policymakers via letter-writing, social media, and/or phone calls to inform them of issues affecting the community.

Local government is the first line of defense against the Trump administration’s attempt to act autocratically. It is crucial to get involved by advocating through letters, emails, or phone calls to inform policymakers about community issues.

Buffalo State University invited a number of individuals involved in legislative and executive bodies to discuss political engagement as well as community engagement at the local level. A discussion regarding civic engagement and local involvement in politics will occur via a panel format.

Panelists include:

• Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz
• Majority Leader & Ellicott District Council Member, Leah M. Halton-Pope
• Fillmore District Council Member, Mitch Nowakowski
• Buffalo Public School West District Board Member, Hon. Jennifer Mecozzi, and
• Buffalo Public School Board Member, Hon. Lawrence Scott
• Senator April Baskin, NYS Senate District 63

The panel on local politics is an exciting opportunity to delve into political involvement via local efforts. The event will occur on Tuesday, March 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The location is Bulger Hall, Room 215.

Local governance is an initial domain to provide input regarding concerns, inform public officials of issues, and advocate for the needs of members of society.