Chapter ThreeThe Interactive City

As anyone who has worked in a city hall can confirm, the place often feels far from Lincoln's beautifully simple definition of democratic government—“of the people, by the people, for the people.” “For the people” doesn't fit the work of bureaucrats who don't listen to those they are supposed to serve. “By the people” doesn't describe policies crafted by experts without local knowledge or input. “Of the people” doesn't suit a government that engenders disengagement and apathy. This situation is not the fault of public servants, the vast majority of whom took their jobs with a desire to work for their community. Nor does the blame lie with elected officials, who seek and win office with the best of intentions ...

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