Abstract:
In recent times, public policy debates in the United States have been very contentious and dysfunctional. To help improve this situation, a multi-discipline research effort was conducted to look at "solution papers" as a form of public participation. Specifically, the roles of objectivity and mutual respectfulness were under consideration. Foundational information was gathered about: political participation, polarization, and democratic principles. In addition, an analysis of earlier cases of participation was done. Finally, a new solution paper entitled Conventional Neighborhoods and Transportation was produced. The subsequent feedback showed that officials thought the paper was less "objective" than predicted. However, the small sample appears skewed. As for "mutual respect," written comments were generally civil. Although the new study does not provide whelming evidence, combined with all the previous research, it can be concluded that objectivity in a mutually respectful atmosphere helps solve problems and allows America to better fulfill the democratic ideal.
