What if you invited 50,000 people to an open house and almost nobody came?
If you're a politician in Eagan, you might think that was a good thing, especially given the political climate around the country in the wake of the state and national elections held earlier this month.
Last Tuesday, the city held a budget open house to allow residents a chance to voice their opinions, suggestions, complaints or comments regarding the city's $27.7 million general fund budget for 2011, which is set to be approved in early December by the City Council.
"This is one of the ways that we reach out to the public," said Mayor Mike Maguire, who was at the open house.
Only a handful of people showed up, despite heavy advertising and widespread coverage about the event, including notice of the meeting on the city's large electronic message board in front of City Hall.
City officials, while disappointed with the turnout, said it might indicate that the city's 50,000-plus residents are generally pleased with how the city is being run.
"I think Eagan is the voice of stability," said City Administrator Tom Hedges. "At the local level we pride ourselves on being nonpartisan."
As evidence, they point out that all three incumbents were re-elected during the Nov. 2 elections, when a widespread turning-out of incumbents occurred elsewhere.