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Can Deliberation Alter Patterns Of Influence? A Study On Local Government Decision-Making And The Deliberative Dialogue Process, William Molnar

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This study surveyed South Carolina county council elected officials and citizens to examine the local government decision-making process, as it relates to influence and power in the growth and development arena. At its center were both the Kettering Foundation's deliberative dialogue forum model and their assertion that citizens want, and need, to be infused into the process. The study has three significant findings. First, forums did not alter citizen perceptions on who holds power and influence within the local government power structure. Second, decision-makers did not alter on which groups influence them as the type of issue moves from routine …