Our Moldovan Open World delegation has spent the week in Madison, Wisconsin, learning about accountable governance, from the perspective of state budgeting and financing.  I’ve learned so much from this delegation and have really enjoyed my time with them.  Through them, I’ve come to know my own country better!  And while that’s one of the purposes of the program, I guess I never really expected to experience it to such a degree.

Tonight we went to the Dane County Board of Supervisors Meeting.  This is a meeting where community leaders who make up the County Board of Supervisors meet together to make policy and other decisions related to the health and well-being of the county.  This particular meeting was much anticipated because it marked the release of the county budget, which was expected to include significant cuts.  Because of the anticipated cuts, the room was packed, mostly with individuals wearing black t-shirts indicating their affiliation with the Dane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.  The turn-out alone was astonishing to me as well as to the delegates.

The meeting began with a small speech by one of the Supervisors on the Board who made an appeal to all to become involved in the community, reminding us of the sacrifices of those who’ve gone before us and the responsibility we as individuals bear by virtue of our residence here and the freedoms we enjoy.  During this presentation, one of the delegates was so moved, she put her hand to her heart.

Shortly thereafter, a bunch of Webelos Scouts posted the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.  It’s been a long time since I said the Pledge and I got a little thrill at being able to participate.

And then the real work began: a call to order, roll call, several votes which were unanimous, tributes to county workers who have recently passed away, and discussion on several somewhat contentious issues including at least one capital services project.  While the decisions themselves were, of course, the most important outcome of the meeting, the process for coming to these decisions was probably most valuable to the delegates, and to me.  To see the types of people who make these decisions, and the openness of the process employed helped me feel more confident in the future of this country and our communities.

Although the budget was not directly addressed in its entirety, it was referenced and several resolutions associated with it were passed.  It will be interesting to learn in the next few weeks what the final determinations are on the 2010 Dane County  budget.

In addition to my re-introduction to the inner workings of civil society in my own country, I have been quite immersed in the beauty of the Moldovan culture as well.  I flew into Madison just in time to partake of a delicious Moldovan meal, prepared by the delegates for their host families, host coordinator and other new American friends.  The meal was prepared in the traditional Moldovan way – in stages.  Meal preparation, and ultimately serving, lasted for many hours.  The food was delicious, and the company even better.  But what came next really stole the hearts of all attendees – singing and dancing.  Moldovans sang songs to us, donned their native costumes and danced for us and even taught us a few steps.  I have to admit my own traditional two left feet made an appearance during this phase, but I still had a lot of fun – and that’s what counts, right?