The Citizens Participation Organization's (CPO's) are a place where you can discuss community issues in a comfortable forum; meet neighbors who are interested in the community; get unbiased information; and find neighbors who will listen to your concerns and work with you to find solutions. There are eighteen such organizations in Washington County. CPO 6 covers the Reedville/Cooper Mountain/Aloha areas and meets on the first Thursday of each month.

This month, Washington County Peak Oil is pleased to have been invited to speak to this group on the topic of peak oil. Peter Lunsford, WCPO speaker, is a peak oil analyst and government liaison for Washington County Peak Oil. The goal of WCPO is to help citizens to better understand the challenges humanity is about to face, what communities and individuals can do to prepare, and to urge citizens to study and discuss peak oil with family and friends.

The meeting begins at 7:00pm and Peter's presentation begins at about 8:00pm. The public is invited.

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As an individual, you may not be notified of proposed land use actions unless your home or business is in close proximity to the parcel of land in the application process. Your CPO receives notice of land developments proposed for the area and is requested to provide input before a decision is made. Your CPO, as a group of citizens working together, may be effective in influencing the decisions of local government.

Most CPOs meet once per month and topics of discussion may include:

* Election issues - Taxes? Metro? Get the FACTS!
* Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
* Candidate forums - Your chance to meet candidates for public office.
* Local Sheriff's Update - How are things in your neighborhood?
* Transportation issue - Should there be a traffic signal on your corner?
* Land use proposals - What's this new development in the horse pasture next door?
* Or, whatever is on your mind . . .

CPO members elect officers and function under bylaws approved by the membership. The CPO is advisory to county, city, and regional governments. It can help strengthen your community if citizens care enough to be involved.