TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

County Commission Should Hold Public Commenting In Higher Regard

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 6, 2008

Pasco County commissioners and county staff members typically do a very good job discussing issues and concerns with the public outside formal meetings, at residents' requests. Their responsiveness balances the often one-sidedness of meetings that favor lawyers, developers and others stating cases for land-use changes and other requests being considered by the board.

But the format of formal meetings, when policy and other decisions are made, could be changed to give the public a better shake, and Commissioner Jack Mariano has a good idea how to do it. It's a simple change, too - moving general public comment periods to the beginning of the agenda.

At meetings, residents who want to bring concerns to the board that may not be related to agenda items already are limited, for the most part, to three minutes each during the public comment period, which is separate from public hearings. It's understandable why many believe their comments aren't taken seriously enough, especially considering petitioners and their lawyers and consultants often go on and on.

Moving the general public comment period to the beginning of meetings - instead of in the middle and at the end, as the rule is now - wouldn't make a difference in the allotted time, but it could set the tone for a more constructive meeting and give the public more confidence in their government.

For instance, concerns and sentiment expressed by the public could help shape commission consensus - or change initial beliefs - on issues of the day. Knowing how the public feels, in general, would give the board a better perspective as members debate and decide agenda matters. Also, there are some smart residents out there who could help educate the board.

Pasco commissioners wouldn't be breaking new ground by moving public comment to the beginning of meetings, either. The Pasco School Board and Tampa Bay Water, the region's drinking water utility, take public comments at the beginning of meetings. The Hernando County Commission does, too, followed immediately by responses from commissioners and county staff.

One thing's for sure: "Public comment" shouldn't be delegated to the end of meetings. Residents' time is just as valuable as that of commissioners, who receive a pretty decent salary. Often, many residents have to take time off work, and they shouldn't have to wait so long to speak their piece. Also, meetings often are their only opportunity to ask questions and bring their concerns to the table.

Moving general public comment periods to the beginning of meetings would give residents a better seat at the table, too, making for better government.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT