In today’s climate, a pervasive sense of cynicism towards politics and representation has taken root, affecting not just national stages but our local communities. This growing disillusionment poses a significant threat to the very fabric of our democracy. As a social worker and councilman, I have observed this widening gap between the people and their representatives; a gap filled with distrust and resentment. It’s a concerning trend that undermines the collective effort required to foster a healthy functioning society. This is a major problem for democracy, one that demands immediate attention and action. This is precisely why I have come up with the idea of “ Walking Garwood”.

“Walking Garwood” is more than a commitment to physical presence; it’s a step towards mending the frayed threads of trust between public officials and the community they serve. For it’s time to return to the basics of governance: direct, open, and sincere interaction. Each weekend in the months of April and May I will walk every street and knock on every door in Garwood to hear your concerns, ideas and thoughts.

“Walking Garwood” is about bringing government back to the people and restoring faith in the democratic process. The act of meeting residents face-to-face, listening to their concerns, and discussing their visions for our community is a fundamental step in breaking down the walls of distrust and apathy. Each conversation, each shared story, each concern addressed is a building block towards a more trusting and engaged community.

This initiative is intentionally nonpartisan because the issues of disillusionment and disengagement transcend party lines. They are human issues, impacting all residents regardless of their political affiliation. While I may walk as a councilman, I do not do so as a mouthpiece for any political faction. My steps, my knocks, my dialogues, and my listening ears aim to bridge divides, to understand diverse perspectives, and to demonstrate that leadership can be compassionate, accessible, and inclusive.

“Walking Garwood” will help our community to step away from the outrage machines of social media and onto the streets of our town, opening up new avenues for communication and understanding. It’s an opportunity to build a more robust public square, grounded in respect, empathy, and collective well being.

Let’s rebuild trust, one step, one conversation, one listening ear at a time. I can’t wait to meet and get to know more of the community members of Garwood and listen and engage with them. After all as an elected official, it’s important to walk the extra mile for our constituents; literally and figuratively.

“Walking Garwood” will take place throughout the weekends of April and May. It is an initiative in collaboration with the Garwood Democratic Committee. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Councilman Sean Keagan Foley Garwood