I asked ChatGPT about Potholes despite city tax.

Gab: My city of Canton Ohio charges 2.5 % tax of income for people who live or work in the city. Yet there are still potholes on every street. What can I do to have the city make this a realistic priority?

ChatGPT

If you're concerned about the state of infrastructure, such as potholes, despite the tax revenue collected by the city, there are several steps you can take to advocate for improved road maintenance and infrastructure investment:

Contact Your Elected Officials: Reach out to your city council members, mayor, and other elected officials to express your concerns about the condition of the roads and the need for infrastructure improvements. Attend city council meetings to raise the issue publicly and urge officials to prioritize road maintenance and repair.

Form or Join Community Groups: Consider forming or joining a community group focused on advocating for better infrastructure and road maintenance in Canton. Strength in numbers can amplify your voice and make it more difficult for officials to ignore community concerns.

Gather Evidence and Documentation: Document the potholes and other road defects in your neighborhood with photos, videos, and written descriptions. Compile evidence of the impact these issues have on residents, such as vehicle damage or safety hazards, to support your advocacy efforts.

Petition for Action: Circulate a petition among residents calling for improved road maintenance and infrastructure investment. Present the petition to city officials as evidence of community support for prioritizing these issues.

Attend Public Meetings and Hearings: Take advantage of opportunities to provide input at public meetings, hearings, and town hall events. Use these forums to share your concerns directly with city officials and advocate for specific actions to address road maintenance and infrastructure needs.

Engage with Local Media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations to raise awareness about the state of the roads in Canton and the need for infrastructure improvements. Write letters to the editor, submit op-eds, or participate in interviews to bring attention to the issue.

Collaborate with Other Stakeholders: Seek partnerships with businesses, neighborhood associations, schools, and other community organizations to advocate collectively for improved road maintenance and infrastructure investment. Pool resources and expertise to support your advocacy efforts.

Monitor Progress and Hold Officials Accountable: Stay informed about the city's plans and progress on road maintenance and infrastructure projects. Hold city officials accountable for their commitments to address community concerns and ensure that tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently.

By actively engaging with city officials, raising awareness in the community, and advocating for specific actions to address road maintenance and infrastructure needs, you can work towards ensuring that these issues become a priority for the city of Canton, Ohio.