Recently, 15 residents of Manteo met to discuss the openness and transparency in the Manteo Town Commissioners Meetings and issues affecting residents, business owners and property owners. A group was formed, called Manteo Citizens for Open Government, that plans to address these issues, with the initial focus being the televising of Manteo Town Commissioner Meetings. Currently, Manteo is the only town in northern Dare County that does not offer this service. The group stresses that easy access to these meetings via this televised format on the Dare County Governmental Channel (channel 191) will help citizens better participate in, and be informed about, the discussions and decisions our elected officials are making about issues that impact all Manteo citizens, business owners and taxpayers. Additionally, townspeople and out-of-town property owners who cannot physically attend the monthly Commissioner meetings will be able to play a more active role in the Town.

Bebe Woody, one of the group’s organizers, stresses that a better informed citizenry creates a path for stakeholders to take an active and responsive role in helping to shape the Town. “Ultimately, the goal of our new group is to re-activate our townspeople, business owners and taxpayers to take more of an educated and active stance in the policies and actions that impact our experience in Manteo. And creating easy access to the monthly Manteo Commissioner Meetings via a televised format is the first step. This is an open group! We want anyone with a stake in Manteo to join us if you’re interested.”

A Facebook page has been created with the same name as the group, Manteo Citizens for Open Government, where information will be regularly posted, and press releases and emails will also help anyone interested to stay informed on current activities and actions.

For more information, you may contact:

Bebe Woody at 252-423-1144 or email bebewoody@whitedoeinn.com.