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Having spent around two hours at Wyandotte County Lake last night for the Friends of the Lake meeting, I saw passion from both the citizenry and those representing the Unified Government.

This is a good thing and it should continue.

Regardless of who's side you take (or believe) on the issue of Wyandotte County Lake, the lesson is this: When even just a small passionate band of residents unite on one issue, people listen.

Take in the fact that Unified Government Parks and Recreation Director Gary Salva and UG Public Works Director Robert Roddy showed up to the event even when they were not formally invited to the meeting. (UPDATE: A FOTL member said they were indeed invited, contrary to what I was told.)

Because of the 100 plus people who showed up at the lake on Monday, this issue has attention and a solution or answer will probably occur sooner than later because of it.

The issue should grow even more, as office numbers for the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners were handed out. An "ocean's full" of calls were promised to City Hall and commissioners, according to FOTL Communications Director Wendy Joyce.

The best way for your voice to be heard is to go to City Hall, a board of education meeting or a community group meeting to speak about those issues. The worst way is to just assume nothing can be done.

Whether it's at the federal, state or local level, an active citizenry can keep elected officials on their toes.

The issue regarding preserving Wyandotte County Lake is just another example of it.