Lisa Meyer, St. Joseph
I am relatively new to our town but have been following local issues in the Newsleader as well as reading the online city council minutes for some time. I attended my first public hearing in St. Joseph this week and, regardless of my opinions on the topic at hand, I feel compelled to say that this and previous public hearings appear to be: (a) happening far too late in the decision-making process, when things are already a ‘done deal’; (b) more of a formality than an actual listening session for the public to communicate with their representatives; and (c) a clear indication that significant public opinion in opposition to what is being voted on exists.
It makes me uncomfortable, to say the least, when elected officials appear to give little weight to what is being said by those they represent at public hearings and vote to go ahead with what is being discussed following clear and reasonable opposition. I would suggest these hearings happen earlier in the process, on more than one occasion, and with the same legal notice being given so the sentiment that our elected officials don’t listen to the majority of the public speaking out on an issue can be avoided. I also suggest more citizens start attending regular meetings, even when a special issue is not up for vote so the frustration that people only show up to complain at the end, after significant hard work by our representatives and others has already occurred, can be prevented as well. I also might suggest when a large turnout in opposition to something occurs, the vote be tabled pending further discussion and public opportunity to further communicate their concerns especially where there is no urgency for a vote.
Lastly, it should be remembered by all those who feel they are not being represented by elected officials have the ultimate opportunity to have their voices heard in the voting booth and may do just that if they feel their concerns are ignored too often in public hearings and meetings.