I totally agree with Holly Gaskill’s comments about the deterioration of some board meetings. These meetings are public forums and should be open to the public’s input. However, as people become more aware, get involved and begin to finally push back, they are forgetting decorum. I will include myself at times in this. Any taxpayer has the right to have their thoughts heard by their elected officials — but in a respectful way.
I am thrilled to hear some of these boards are garnering more public participation. The public has sat back and let politicians do as they please for too long.
I agree there should be more structure at some of these meetings — but do not want to see that end up meaning no public comments.
And FYI, I was the one who curtly said I wouldn’t give my name for the paper, as I had sat through the entire meeting and only recall maybe two people identifying themselves. At the last two Jefferson Township meetings the firemen sat in the back of the room and shouted at the board for nearly the entire meeting — and I didn’t hear a single one of them identify themselves “for the media”. That behavior is very unprofessional — no matter how vested you are in the outcome of what is being discussed.
I’ve also served on a board before, and it’s an extreme balancing act between responsibilities to your constituents and your own beliefs. The public doesn’t always know every detail that a board knows. Board members are serving us and it’s tough work. They need our support but also our input.
Peggy Eschenbacher
Rural Ossian
