Response one –podr-01  If I was to define Public Policy, I would describe it as a group of political officials coming together to collaborate and make decisions are certain topics that effect the community.  These decisions will ultimately aid in resolving current issues while avoiding replica's of the past with choices that did not fair well with the community (Rushefsky, 2013;2014;).   These decisions should be made with the people's interests at heart and the desire to progress as a community. While these decisions are ultimately made by the council, I do believe that the public should have an influential impact on these decisions.     As far as Public Policies that have impacted myself and family the most in my small town of Beaufort, SC; I would definitely have to say the every day road construction.  The city has agreed to include new traffic lights & circles among the town and in doing so, multiple lanes have been blocked and traffic flow is pretty grueling come five' O clock (Communications & Accountability Dept., 2018). I understand the purpose of this construction as to improve the over all quality for our community once finished, BUT the timeline for these changes is quite lengthy.  I don't believe that I have lived in Beaufort, where there has not been some type of road construction or brief road closures. I believe that these changes were made as Beaufort is an ever growing community.  As time has passed, our town has brought in more franchise businesses among our "mom & pop" businesses that used to flourish in this town.  Some of them still do, but with two Marine Corps bases in the area like Parris Island, SC; we often have many families traveling to us every other week for their Marine's graduation and this brings even more traffic flow among the regulars in town.  I surely hope that their road construction plan will be of great benefit in the future, but as is it seems like we are more backed up than ever before.  It is an adjustment to say the least.     In regard to national policies that effect my family and I, I can't think of one that is specific to my family, but I do know that this act will effect my daughter when she begins school.  This act is the "Children's Internet Protection Act" which ensures that schools are placing protection and blocks on their school computers to prevent children from being exposed to issues of an inappropriate nature on the internet (Federal Communications Commission, 2018). Its one thing to be able to monitor the activity that your child see's at home on your personal electronics.  That can be easily prevented if you understand how to place appropriate blocks, but when you're children have to be away from you to learn, you want to know that they are in a safe environment where their minds and hearts will be protected at all times.  I think that this is a great policy to abide by to ensure that all children are viewing the internet safely and are not exposed to the inappropriate that can fl ...

1. Response one –podr-01
If I was to define Public Policy, I would describe it as a group
of political officials coming together to collaborate and make
decisions are certain topics that effect the community. These
decisions will ultimately aid in resolving current issues while
avoiding replica's of the past with choices that did not fair well
with the community (Rushefsky, 2013;2014;). These decisions
should be made with the people's interests at heart and the
desire to progress as a community. While these decisions are
ultimately made by the council, I do believe that the public
should have an influential impact on these decisions.
As far as Public Policies that have impacted myself and
family the most in my small town of Beaufort, SC; I would
definitely have to say the every day road construction. The city
has agreed to include new traffic lights & circles among the
town and in doing so, multiple lanes have been blocked and
traffic flow is pretty grueling come five' O clock
(Communications & Accountability Dept., 2018). I understand
the purpose of this construction as to improve the over all
quality for our community once finished, BUT the timeline for
these changes is quite lengthy. I don't believe that I have lived
in Beaufort, where there has not been some type of road
construction or brief road closures. I believe that these changes
were made as Beaufort is an ever growing community. As time
has passed, our town has brought in more franchise businesses
among our "mom & pop" businesses that used to flourish in this
town. Some of them still do, but with two Marine Corps bases
in the area like Parris Island, SC; we often have many families
traveling to us every other week for their Marine's graduation
and this brings even more traffic flow among the regulars in
town. I surely hope that their road construction plan will be of
great benefit in the future, but as is it seems like we are more
backed up than ever before. It is an adjustment to say the least.
In regard to national policies that effect my family and I, I

2. can't think of one that is specific to my family, but I do know
that this act will effect my daughter when she begins school.
This act is the "Children's Internet Protection Act" which
ensures that schools are placing protection and blocks on their
school computers to prevent children from being exposed to
issues of an inappropriate nature on the internet (Federal
Communications Commission, 2018). Its one thing to be able to
monitor the activity that your child see's at home on your
personal electronics. That can be easily prevented if you
understand how to place appropriate blocks, but when you're
children have to be away from you to learn, you want to know
that they are in a safe environment where their minds and hearts
will be protected at all times. I think that this is a great policy
to abide by to ensure that all children are viewing the internet
safely and are not exposed to the inappropriate that can float
among the internet.
References:
Rushefsky, M. E. (2013;2014;). Public policy in the united
states (Fifth;5; ed.). Florence: Routledge Ltd - M.U.A.
doi:10.4324/9781315701394
Communications & Accountability Dept. (2018) "New Traffic
Signal Installed on Bluffton Parkway at Hampton Parkway"
retrieved from http://www.bcgov.net/news/2018/GA%20-
%20031218%20-
%20New%20Traffic%20Signal%20Installed%20on%20Bluffton
%20Parkway%20at%20Hampton%20Parkway.pdf
Federal Communications Commission (2018) "Children's
Internet Protection Act (CIPA)" retrieved
from https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-
protection-act
Response two-podr-01
Prior to doing the reading I wanted to define public policy
based on my previous understanding of the subject. At this
time, I would define public policy as many levels of
government, (in a hierarchy structure) from the lowest level
(being the city), then counties, then states, and ultimately, the

3. federal government, and policies (laws or regulations) that they
all use to maintain order and address the needs and or well-
being of the public. All these different agencies work together
to ensure the best possible outcome for the citizens. For this
part, I located a generic, and easy to understand definition. The
article states (2011 p. 1) “that public policy is simply what
government does or does not do about a problem that comes
before them for consideration and possible action.” The
analysis of this assertion is similar to what I had defined. Mine
definition was a little more encompassing, and involved more
levels, but I think it is important to remember there are multiple
levels of government. With multiple levels, similar to the
military structure, it can become easy for things to get lost, or
harder to see the end goal; however, it is important to keep that
end goal in sight and to keep working to the finish line.
One of the most unique public policies I like to talk about is
Native American Sovereignty. Where I grew up, we have a
large Native American Reservation. Sovereignty is defined as,
“supreme and independent power or authority in government by
a community, such as a nation or state. Indian tribes possess
sovereignty.” (Sault Tribe, 2017, p. 1). These directly
impacted me growing up because we had charter schools. While
attending charter schools on the reservation, we had fewer
students in our classes which created more of an academic
environment to thrive.
According to the Center for Disease Control (2018, p.1) binge
drinking is a common problem. Because of this, policies and
agencies, such as the Community Preventive Services Task
Force, and in the Air Force specifically, we have ADAPT
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment) program.
It is also stated that it is most prevalent in ages from 18-34. In
the Air Force, especially in the dorms, with the young Airman,
this is a problem on the weekends, or when shifts end. Because
of this, I think that prevention and education goes a long way to
help keeping our young population educated and healthy. For
many of us, it is how we saw our parents or care takers deal

4. with problems, so at first, we may feel it is the right way to do
the same thing, when in reality, there are other ways of dealing
or coping with tough times. Also, it has the potential to help
young people less decisions they may regret in the future.
What is Public Policy? (2011). [Date file] Retrieved
from http://www.civiced.org/pc-program/instructional-
component/public-policy
Sovereignty. (2017). Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. [Date
file] Retrieved from https://www.saulttribe.com/history-a-
culture/sovereignty
US Adults Drink 17 Billion Binge Drinks a Year. (2018).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Date file]
Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/features/binge-dr
Response three-podr—01
My initial thought regarding defining policy was simply that
policy is law and law is action. And to an extent, I think that’s
still true in the most basic of understandings. However, policy
is much more robust and encompassing than the simple
comparison allows. Howlett mentions policy as goals and
progress towards goals. (Howlett, 2015) He also notes, similar
to Kraft, that policy reflects and reacts to parties not directly
involved in policy making (government) such as non-profits or
“principal-agent” relationships. (Howlett, 2015) Howlett also
breaks down the basic function of government, and my
assumption of policy, as having three functions – to “plan,
regulate, and fund.” (Howlett, 2015) Petridou indicates policy is
action by any actor, including those in government positions,
but not just those falling within the bounds of typically
understood governmental roles. (Petridou, 2014) These alternate
views expanded my understanding: policy is action by citizens
and government to reflect the goals of the public through
governmental function.
Recently, Wisconsin enacted new policy that impacts most of
the people on the long-term care program I work for. Wisconsin
became an “Employment First” state, which is now statewide
policy to encourage integrated employment for those with

5. developmental disabilities, while protecting their right to refuse
community work. (2017 Wisconsin Act 178) This limits a recent
federal policy that changed work requirements for those with
developmental disabilities aged 18-26. Employment First
allows for more client choice and gives them and their families
the ability to make individualized plans and decisions regarding
their futures. Employment First is a strong example of policy
reflecting citizenry – after the recent federal rollout of WIOA,
families championed loudly for more client rights.
National policies affect my daily life at every level. The
apartment I live in follows Fair Housing Act rules. ( 42 U.S.C.
§3601-3619) My appliances are made from imported parts
developed through trade deals. I can see policy in the currency I
use. (31 U.S.C. § 5103) My pay stubs show my tax
contributions and health savings account contributions.
(Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization
Act of 2003) All of these policies have meant something to me
– even on the most basic level. I have what I have because of
policy. I can drink my imported coffee (Importation of coffee
under International Coffee Agreement, 1983; Presidential
powers and duties) while watching streaming applications
running through the internet. (Protecting and Promoting the
Open Internet) All of those things are products of policy, some
of which I’ve been able to vote for.
- Cari
19 U.S. Code § 1356k - Importation of coffee under
International Coffee Agreement, 1983; Presidential powers and
duties
47 CFR Part 8 – Protecting and promoting the open internet
2017 Wisconsin Act 178
Fair Housing Act. 42 U.S.C. § 3601-3619
Howlett, M., Ramesh, M., & Wu, X. (2015). Understanding the
persistence of policy failures: The role of politics, governance
and uncertainty. Public Policy and Administration, 30(3-4),
209-220.
Legal Tender. 31 U.S.C. § 5103

6. Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization
Act of 2003
Petridou, E. (2014). Theories of the policy process:
Contemporary scholarship and future directions. Policy studies
journal, 42(S1).
Response four podr-01
How would you define public policy?
Public policy involves the collective action of an action group
either created by citizens groups, governmental servants, or a
collaboration of both which work to create a set of requirements
or laws to enhance the lives of those living in a community or
geographic area. Once a community engages in scaling up the
amount of effort to provide services and sustaining growth
requires more effort by those who are qualified to create
processes which support appropriate laws or actions that are
adopted and required by all who reside or work. Karacaoglu
(2016), examined the need for local governments to work closer
to the citizen to create a process which enhances the lives of the
citizens they serve, by including citizens in democratic
processes for growth and enhancements to local community
growth. In garnering such interactions, there would be a greater
chance to create and adopt favorable growth while identifying
and correcting underserved public concerns.
Within the city, the Water Quality Management fee is one
public policy with direct impact to all of the residents of the
city of Lexington, Kentucky. As such the Lexington water
quality division, through the Lexington, Public Policy
Commission voted on a direct fee to all users of the water
systems to make upgrades to the aging water systems and
computerized systems that collected usage
information. As such, each saw a fee for the amount used if
they were a business and a flat rate fee ($4.73 monthly)
for homeowners and renters. As with the need to address
policy making concerns as discussed by Howlett (2014), in
deciding on the public policy, the commission which is a bi-

7. partisan collaboration between citizens, business owners, and
local government. The commission examined the need to
replace, ability to allow business growth and the impact the
policy would have on citizens due to the increased costs of
services and the ability of the legislation to be passed within the
local community.
Within the state, increasing the sales tax on tobacco products,
limiting public tobacco use locations and barring use on
hospital and government grounds. While I do not smoke, this
has an impact on my life as the costs of healthcare, taxes
collected and burden to the community due to the declining
health of individuals who use tobacco products effects the
amount of taxes paid for increased medical expenses for those
who are ill. Additionally, the rise in taxes collected affect the
individuals more likely to need expanded services, wherein they
subsidize the increased medical costs through their payment of
the increased taxes. While I feel this unevenly burdens the
economically disadvantaged, who are more likely to use tobacco
products, those who do not use tobacco products are
burdened by increased health care costs and secondhand smoke
from others.
Lastly, there are Criminal Justice reforms include the allowance
to request the removal of a non-career, non-violent record so an
individual who may have made a mistake once in their life, is
not penalized for a lifetime and would be able to work as a
productive citizen. Expunging is not only beneficial to the
community, but it is also beneficial to the Federal prison
system, for which I work, through the ability to provide
expanded reentry programs to inmates who will qualify for
greater job opportunities after release.
3) What about national policies? Have there been larger
policies that you see a personal connection to?
The Centers for disease control a national level agency, deals
with public health policy on a national level, setting
recommendations for health indicators to assists with creating
apolicy that protects citizens from disease transmission and

8. identifications (CDC, 2018). Specifically, the requirements to
provide some level of vaccinations before children can go to
schools. Disease control is relevant to all citizens throughout
the United States to control, controllable viruses which could
cause death or serious illnesses. Expanded access for
underserved communities engages is often politicised actions on
racial and economic issues, through the CDC policy is regulated
by the careful findings of research and collaboration with State
and local communities in creating actionable policy
requirements and guidelines (State, Tribal, Local & Territorial
Public Health Professionals Gateway, 2017)
References
CDC-Vaccination Laws. (2018). Retrieved April 05, 2018, from
https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/vaccinationlaws.ht
ml
Howlett, M. (2014). From the 'old' to the 'new' policy design:
design thinking beyond markets and collaborative
governance. Policy Sciences, 47(3), 187-
207. doi:10.1007/s11077-014-9199-0
Karacaoglu, G. (2016). Citizen-centred public policy in a
complex world. Public Sector, 39(4), 4. Retrieved from
https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/docview/1876054790?accountid=8289
State, Tribal, Local & Territorial Public Health Professionals
Gateway. (2017, September). Retrieved April 5, 2018, from
https://www.cdc.gov/stltpublichealth/policy/index.html