Mayor-elect Russ Owens says restoring transparency and rebuilding trust will be among his top priorities when he takes office in January. After years of frustration among residents over rising costs and limited communication from City Hall, Owens believes the city must return to what he calls “a relationship of accountability between government and the people who pay for it.”
“Transparency has to be the number one duty of any government,” Owens said. “The citizens are our bosses. They pay our salaries, and they deserve easy access to the information that affects their lives.”
Owens acknowledged that not every conversation or decision can be made in public view, but said Vermilion’s government should do a far better job of helping residents understand what is happening behind the scenes. “People have been disappointed in the way they have been communicated with,” he said. “If someone needs information that is not privileged or protected, the city should provide it in good faith. Citizens are entitled to it; it is their money.”
He said part of the problem is cultural, not procedural. “In too many cities, employees act like they own the departments they work in. They do not own anything. It all belongs to the people,” Owens said. “My goal is to make sure everyone who works for the city understands that.”
To make City Hall more accessible, Owens plans to hold weekly open hours for residents, calling it “Talk to the Mayor Day.” He said the idea is simple: no appointments, no gatekeeping, just direct communication. “Once a week, my office will be open into the evening for anyone who wants to come in and talk. They can ask me anything,” he said. “People have to know their mayor is available, honest, and not afraid to listen.”
Owens also said he intends to engage with the public through local media and community partners, answering residents’ questions directly rather than publishing self-written updates. “I would love to take questions from kids, seniors, families, and anyone who cares about this city,” he said. “Instead of writing what I want to say, I would rather respond to what people want to know.”
He added that restoring trust will take time, but believes it starts with respect. “Transparency is not just about posting documents,” Owens said. “It is about having the courage to face questions, even the hard ones.”
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