Resolve to be heard in 2014

Allow me to suggest a relatively simple New Year's resolution. It takes far less effort than going to the gym or out for a run. Resolve to be heard by your elected officials in 2014. 

We're interested in hearing from you - really. Politicians pay attention to polls, set up social media accounts and more not only to get their message out, but to find out what's important to you. Why not take advantage of this? 

For extra credit, resolve to pay attention to what your local officials are saying and doing, whether it's by following them on Twitter or checking the local news. Did you know that Concord banned plastic water bottles or that if you want to have a bake sale in Foxboro you now need a permit from the Board of Health? Both of these went into effect in 2013. Do you know that particularly at the local level - the level closest to you - hearing another side of the issue from 10, 20 or 50 constituents may just make a difference?

So take a few minutes to at least skim the local headlines and "Like" your elected officials' Facebook pages. Then, if something sparks your interest or leaves you shaking your head, speak up! E-mail them, Tweet them, call them, write a letter to the editor - whatever you feel most comfortable with. But be part of the dialogue. Have your voice heard in 2014.

And yes, this goes for me too. You can e-mail me at okozlowski@mansfieldma.com, "Like" my Facebook page at Olivier Kozlowski, Mansfield Board of Selectmen and follow me on Twitter at @SelectmanKoz. I'd love to hear from you.