[RP TownTalk] is anyone else concerned?

[bob smith]

Thank you Sarah.
We see things in different ways once again.
As you know, I have communicated my concerns regarding the public
comment process directly to the town council and Mayor as well as the
public forum.

I believe this is transparency.

I will request access to recordings of the town council meetings held
during 2016 to refresh my memory on conduct of meetings and the public's
invitation to speak before a vote is held.

-bob



On 5/16/16 9:14 AM, Sarah Wayland wrote:
> Not all the members of our town council subscribe to this e-mail list.
> This list is one platform on which people can post their concerns and
> debate the issues, but the place where *all* our elected officials are
> present to hear and consider the concerns of the citizens is during
> public meetings.  
> 
> I personally engage a lot with online media, as you clearly do too, but
> that is not the case for all the residents of our town (including some
> of those who currently serve on the town council.) 
> 
> I do not see anything in Mayor Archer's message that says that you
> cannot "comment on matters up for a council vote at the time of
> consideration for a council vote before the vote occurs." For example,
> there were 3 months of meetings where citizens could comment prior to
> the vote on the change to town government. The town charter requires
> deliberation and public comment prior to a vote. The public was given
> that opportunity, and the proposed legislation was amended to address
> the concerns that were raised. 
> 
> I also see nothing in Mayor Archer's message that says that people
> cannot petition their elected representatives. Of course they can!  
> 
> I know that you have been very engaged, and I know that both CM Thompson
> and Mayor Archer have met with you personally to discuss your concerns
> in response to the messages you have posted here.
> 
> If you continue to worry, this forum is absolutely a good place to
> express and work through your concerns. But if you want the council to
> act on those concerns, you need to personally contact your elected
> representatives and talk to them, or come to the public meetings and
> present your proposals there.
>  
> -Sarah
> 
> 
> 
> 
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