Instead, participate in your local government.

I used to agree, but that's not how this works anymore unfortunately. The problem with this and many other things local government is doing, like the data center craze.

They are steamrolling the communities it affects. If they even hold town halls to voice concern. The intent is not to listen, it's to pacify the community and talk over them.

Yes we can vote them out, but corruption runs deep. Community leaders are more concerned about wealth and false security than the people they represent. Once they are out their like minded friends fill the gap, with enough false promises to take the seat. If the new additions don't participate with the big players, local corporations and CEOs. The ones these politicians feel are revenue streams and hefty tax payers. They get walked over or denied higher positions.

This is turning into a situation that requires strong reactions. We the people are seen as statistics and nuisances to what the more powerful see as progress. The progress they want benefits a small percentage and does not represent the masses. They are forgetting who matters.