A Navasota Citizens University grad and proud of it!
I have often been accused of being a “cheerleader” for the City of Navasota. I stand guilty as charged and you can attribute a major portion of my exuberance to my “alma mater,” Navasota Citizens University. As a member of the inaugural Class of ‘14, I highly recommend participation and guarantee you won’t look at the City of Navasota with the same eyes and attitude again. In fact, it may change how you look at any city you travel to in the future. Why? Because now YOU will know what it takes for a city to provide a desirable quality of life or make it a place you want to visit.
I’m glad to say that after a brief hiatus, NCU is back, and City Secretary Susie Homeyer has prepared a streamlined curriculum for this year’s participants. Beginning March 23 classes will meet each Monday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for four weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony April 27.
Just so you know, you won’t be sitting in front of a PowerPoint presentation for four weeks — ROAD TRIP! NCU will introduce participants to the workings as well as the workers in each city department from Economic Development to Public Works, from NPD, NFD and Animal Control, to everyone’s favorite — the sewer plant!
As a refugee from Houston, Harris County, I have a great appreciation for the access to city officials and staff we enjoy in a city of this size that just wasn’t possible where I came from. So, whether your questions are about the budget, economic development or the potholes on your street, NCU offers you the opportunity to get the answers face-to-face, one-onone from your city staff and council members. And I can promise there is no such thing as a stupid question. Feel free to ask how those fees on your utility bill are spent, what to do about your downed limbs, or why there is zoning or ordinances.
The deadline for registration is March 13 and seats are limited. “Tuition” is $25, and you must be 18 years or older to register. The fee for Navasota High School seniors with student ID is $15.
It is not a stretch to say that you as an informed citizen will be a better citizen, and NCU goes a long way in giving you that edge. Learn how your city works for you by registering today. Call Susie Homeyer at (936) 825-6475.
Connie Clements is a freelance reporter and award-winning columnist. She writes feature news articles on a weekly basis and an opinion column as the mood strikes her.