Letter to the Editor - Limiting comment not true public service

Editor,

It was disappointing to read in the Feb. 3 edition of Havre Daily News of the commissioners limiting the processes for public and county officials to participate and comment on county business. 

Though it is understandable that some comments and interactions can be counterproductive, cutting the opportunities across the board is not an effective way to manage the problem.

Had the published agenda for the commissioners Feb. 2, business meeting included an item to change public and officials opportunity to participate in the commission business meetings there would likely have been numerous individuals showing up for the commissioners’ meeting. This surfaces some of the issues when it comes to commissioners’ and other county board agendas and meetings.

Agendas have not provided adequate information about what is on the agenda or enough context into what the issue is or decisions that are being considered for the public and officials to comment ahead of commissioners’ discussion. It has happened on several occasions that citizens have showed up for commission meetings based on a few words in an agenda only to find out that the issue was not about what was believed to be the issue.  It has also happened that items are placed on agendas, at the very last minute, giving no chance for any citizen not at the meeting to comment and limited opportunities for those at the meeting to develop a comment.

Limiting and/or suppressing officials and public opportunities to participate is not consistent with transparent governance, which is a basic tenant of public service in this country and needs to be respected. 

Lou Hagener

Havre