Editorial
Democracy Brewing

There's something cooking in our own backyard that, in just four months, has jump-started a new movement in local civil discourse. Kitchen Democracy, an online space where Berkeley community members can vote on and share their opinions about district and citywide issues, has now received about 780 comments from Berkeley residents.

The site also offers "expert" comments from locals including city commissioners, council members and former politicians with varying stances on city issues. So it's not just a place for those already well versed in community affairs, it's a place for those eager to become well versed.

This is a promising and honorable project by two involved Berkeley residents who have taken it upon themselves to engage their peers in civil discourse-you know, the ones who probably don't have time to sit through a five-hour council meeting every Tuesday. And, testament to the fact that this actually works, council members have already admitted that they in fact not only read the stuff, but use it in some capacity to gauge public opinion in their districts.

Just like any innovative idea, the site is not flawless in application. There is some merit to the claim of some city officials and community members that for the council to rely on this medium as a barometer of public opinion would be to deny and marginalize those likely community participants who are unable to readily access the Internet.

The site should be used to complement other channels of communication, rather than replace them. Yet as a complement, it serves its purpose well. In a city that can become heavily embroiled in political squabbling, it's encouraging to see the sprouting of an online community exercising its civic duty ... civilly. We hope this endeavor will be encouraged and promoted by the council as it continues to expand and reach out to more constituents.