从一个山区小镇政府的运作看建立美国的先驱们的前瞻性
我们先随便找一个小镇。
坐标:BETHEL，MAINE， 人口两千六百。
就是这么一个小镇，人也不富裕，平均家庭收入只有三万多，靠林业和旅游为生。但是，你看它的政府，麻雀虽小，五脏俱全。
Ambulance
This department is responsible for the administration of ordinances and local regulations which are related to emergency medical services and the public health, safety and welfare.
Animal Control
Contact Animal Control with questions about pet licenses.
Assessing
The Assessing Department is committed to making sure that your real estate and personal property are valued fairly and equitably. Updated valuations may be made periodically to stay as current with market value as possible.
Bethel Regional Airport
Read important technical information about our airport and the contact information for the Bethel Regional Airport and local taxi service.
Code Enforcement
Find a list of downloadable forms and contact information for the Code Enforcement department.
Finance Department
Learn about Town budgets and vendor guidelines.
Fire Department
Our fire department is dedicated to saving lives and property with pride and integrity.
General Assistance
This department is responsible for the administration of ordinances and local regulations which are related to general assistance.
Library
View library hours and location.
Planning & Development
Contact the Planning and Development department for information about code enforcement and subdivisions.
Post Office
Contact the Bethel Post Office.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is responsible for the handling and removal of solid waste and recyclables and construction and maintenance of related facilities.
Recreation Department
Join a local sports league.
Solid Waste & Recycling
Contact the department of Solid Waste and Recycling.
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk is responsible for official Town records, voting, and licenses.
Town Manager
Discover the duties and responsibilities of the Town Manager and how to contact the office.
Transfer Station
View the policies and fees associated with the Transfer Station.
Waste Water
The mission of the Bethel Waste Water Treatment Plant is to collect and treat the wastewater that is generated in the Town of Bethel.
这些工作，大都是民选的公民业余来做，没有什么报酬的。政府的工作是公开的，每一个事项都有一个几个人的委员会来做决定，而这个委员会是在一个不长但是很全面的章程指导下进行的。大家请花点时间来看一下其中一个委员会的章程:
https://www.bethelmaine.org/DocumentCenter/View/297/BPB-Rules-of-Procedure-adopted-071210
这里面包括了人员的选择，职责，任期，除名办法，以及议事的程序，居民怎样向该委员会申请许可。。。
那么再去看政府工作的时候也是公开的。我们再来看一下，村委会一个例行的会议的记录:
https://www.bethelmaine.org/DocumentCenter/View/2114/07062020
每个委员都说了些什么，做了什么决定，比如如何决定一个一千美元的工程项目，和雇一个每月一千元津贴的公园保安。。。
这种基层民众参与的民主才是美国最坚定的柱石。这个体制是美国初创时先民们建立的，不是说到现代富有了才有的。非常有前瞻性，先进性，四百年来保障了人民的权利和公平。
我把这些东西给老婆大人看了，她说，我们说中国有几千年文化，其实差远了。她老家那个村子，也差不多有这么大，哪有这么些政府服务，更没听说过有什么民选委员会和章程。
我们这些移民，不光是每到四年一次去选总统，还应该积极地去参与当地政府的工作。我想在这里有不少人已经到了事业成功的年纪，有管理的经验，应该到当地政府里去做议事的委员，最不济的，也去做个抓狗的吧。。。
