Comment Up
We're always talking about more public participation and commentary as well as more transparency at City Hall. It's even a campaign cry for some who are running for office here.
I personally don't speak as often as I once did. It was obvious that my words were falling on deaf ears by this majority. You can watch them while residents speak. A few are doodling; some are looking down at some paper in front of them; sometimes the vice mayor leans way back in his chair with his eyes closed--but there are a few who always look at you and seem to be hearing every word. But the proof is in the pudding--look at how they spit in the face of voters on an important democratic issue like the Heights Charter Amendment.
The people want to believe that their opinions and concerns matter to those elected to represent them. It's been unpleasant at times at Lake Worth city commission meetings. Often there is a lack of decorum in the room and we have actually had some incumbents such as Maxwell and Triolo calling us names like "racists," and "liars." It's incredible behavior when you think about it.
But on to another questionable decision by the Mayor--Workshops. They are important. This is where policy is formulated or where this commission votes on million dollar items. But it is a meeting where the public cannot speak--Mayor Triolo does not allow it. We can't even comment on a presentation and one is coming up on Tuesday night that is highly controversial--our electric utility. This is where staff comes forth and "snows" the commission to their point of view.
The County has been experiencing some of the same things that we have. Now the County attorney has said "Don't ban public comments during workshops."
Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary Lou Berger had made the suggestion on Nov. 17, immediately after being selected and sworn in for the mostly ceremonial mayor’s post. She also suggested eliminating the two regular commission meetings a year that are held at night.
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