Tuesday evening’s board meeting was held in a
little different way with anyone wishing to speak during the open comment
session being asked to come forward, state their name and address, and speak at
a podium into a microphone. The speaker is on camera as is the board
itself to document any comments. This is a good thing to avoid any question
about who is speaking and what was said. For some time the board has been on
camera but this covers all the bases.
Speakers are now required to limit their speaking
time to two minutes. This is also a good thing so available time is not taken
up by just a couple people. The downside is the same people keep coming back up
to the podium over and over to continue the same complaints that for the most
part have been stated and restated during meetings for some time. It is the
same four or five naysayers we have discussed here before. The complaints keep
being stated but they have no involvement in the committees or commissions
where they could have input and possibly offer solutions to their perceived
problems. During Tuesday’s meeting I made the statement “If you don’t like the
way things are handled run for the board so you can make the changes.” I stand
by that statement. Don’t complain if you are not willing to either run for the
board or work with committees or commissions or at least volunteer for
community clean-up……….or something to show you actually care about our
community!
The board discussed whether or not there should be
input from the audience allowed during the formal meeting of the board after
the open input session. There was a lot of back and forth between board
members. My stand is this is a board meeting, not a community forum. The board
has researched the issues upon which we will be voting and know the issues.
Often when we are discussing an issue audience hands start to come up and it
turns into an open discussion. This is wrong in my opinion. There is an open
comment period at the beginning of the meeting and everyone who wants an agenda
has one in their hands. If they have something to say about an issue the time
is provided and the microphone is waiting. We were elected to represent the
community and vote issues the way we feel is best for all. The majority of the
time those wishing to speak are the same ones mentioned earlier. They had their
chance. How did this end? Don of course was not in attendance and the vote came
down five to one. I lost. I want the board run in a professional format and I
intend to pursue the issue. If board members need input on a specific subject
they can ask for comment from an individual without calling on anyone with
their hand up. This is wrong. I also feel anyone wishing to comment during the
open comment section should be limited to two times at the podium and that is
it. If they cannot cover their subject (s) in four minutes they can continue at
the next meeting.
Agree with me or not, that is my position and I am
not shy about letting everyone know my feelings. I want a smooth meeting with
fresh, relevant comments during the appropriate period. You folks chose to
elect me and I intend to do the best job I can for you during my term. I am
tired of good P.O.s asking me why we let those few take over the meetings with
their gripes. Some have even told me they quit coming to board meetings because
of that exact fact. Ken Dillenburg
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| This will undoubtedly be the reaction from the naysayers if my policy is adopted |