People with their own agendas — and that’s not a bad thing — are quick to call or write their elected leaders to press their points. Heck, they even pigeonhole them in the grocery store.

But Knightdale Mayor Russell Killen has taken the extra step of inviting constituents to visit with him over coffee.

Last week, Killen invited local businesspeople to sit down with him to discuss issues that were on their mind. A ccording to news reports, Killen got feedback on a wide range of issues, including some that aren’t really town issues over which he has some dominion.

And without promising more than he could deliver, Killen made sure the concerns he heard would be looked into. Killen specifically wanted attendance at last week’s meeting to be small, so he would have an opportunity to hear in detail from those who took part in the meeting.

He has promised more such events, which will give others a chance to bend hizzonor’s ear.

Such events are good politics, to be sure. They are especially productive if the follow up is thorough.

But they are also good government.

Dissatisfaction has a way of festering until it reaches a boiling point. Asking people for their input gives them an opportunity to raise concerns they often wouldn’t take of their own accord.

That gives the local government an opportunity to address the issues before they generated an unpleasant backlash.

Despite our tendency toward distrust when it comes to elected leaders, we think our local leaders are intent upon doing the best they can to improve the circumstances of those people they are elected to serve.

Sometimes, just hearing about the concerns people have is enough impetus to move toward a solution.

And while not every concern can be solved to the satisfaction of every voter, most reasonable people appreciate the work of anyone who gives their best effort in trying to resolve those issues.

Toward that end, Killen’s coffee meetings are welcome get-togethers.