Find An Article In Your Local Newspaper About A Local Policy ✓ Solved
Find an article in your local newspaper about a local policy issue that affects you
Find an article in your local newspaper about a local policy issue that affects you. For example, an article concerning your county's decision to privatize your trash collection service. Summarize the article and explain how this issue affects you. Is the article neutral? Why or why not? How might you influence this policy in the future?
Be sure to include a scanned copy of the article in your submission in addition to citations. There are several free scannable apps on the market such as Scannable. If printing is an obstacle, you may include a hyperlink to the article. However, if the link breaks or cannot be accessed the burden falls on you to produce that article or to risk losing points. Articles may not be more than one month old.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
- Length: 3 full pages (not including title page or references page)
- 1-inch margins
- Double spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Title page
- References page
- Articles may not be more than one month old
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Title: The Impact of Local Policy Changes on Community Services: A Case Study on Trash Collection Privatization
Introduction
Local policy issues significantly influence daily life and community well-being. Recent developments in my county's decision to privatize trash collection services exemplify how policy shifts can affect residents directly. This paper summarizes a recent article from the local newspaper discussing this issue, analyzes its neutrality, personal implications, and explores potential avenues for influencing policy in the future.
Article Summary
The article, titled "County Moves Toward Privatizing Trash Services," was published on March 15, 2024, in the local newspaper "The City Herald." It details the county government's proposal to outsource waste collection to a private company, citing efficiency and cost-saving benefits. The article presents statements from county officials advocating the change, alongside perspectives from residents concerned about potential service disruptions and increased costs. The author notes that the decision follows a series of public hearings and community meetings where residents expressed mixed opinions about the proposed privatization.
Personal Impact
This policy change affects me as a resident because trash collection is a vital service that directly influences cleanliness, convenience, and environmental health in my community. Concerns about privatization include possible increases in collection fees and lower service quality. As someone who values environmental sustainability, I worry that profit motives could undermine service standards, leading to increased improper waste disposal or environmental hazards.
Analysis of Article Neutrality
The article appears relatively balanced, presenting viewpoints from both government officials and residents. However, it leans slightly in favor of privatization by emphasizing potential benefits such as efficiency and cost savings, without thoroughly addressing possible negative outcomes. This slight bias may influence reader perceptions, highlighting the importance of critically evaluating news sources.
Influencing Future Policy
To influence this policy, I could engage in community activism by attending public hearings, submitting testimonies, or collaborating with local advocacy groups to promote information on environmental impacts and equitable service delivery. Additionally, participating in public forums and utilizing social media platforms can amplify community concerns and hold policymakers accountable, ensuring that decisions reflect residents' interests.
Conclusion
The privatization of trash collection exemplifies a local policy issue with tangible implications for residents. While the article provides valuable insights, critical analysis reveals potential biases. Active citizen participation is essential in shaping policies that serve community needs while balancing efficiency and sustainability.
References
- Author Last Name, First Initial. (2024). County moves toward privatizing trash services. The City Herald. Retrieved from [URL]
- Additional credible sources related to local policy, environmental impacts, and citizen engagement