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July 13, 2006
Night Time Is The Right Time
This past Monday night, I attended a "packed-house" meeting of the Signal Mountain Town Council where the hot topic was the rezoning of residential areas for higher density development. Most of the people in attendance were strongly opposed to the zoning changes, which nevertheless were passed by the Council on first reading.
My point here is not so much to criticize the outcome, but to point out the fact that several dozen, probably close to 100, people showed up at the meeting to see what was going on and voice their opinions. That kind of turnout is great! And it was only possible because the Signal Mountain Town Council meets on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. Weeknight meetings allow the working citizens the chance to see their governing body in action if they so choose; and that is as it should be.
Contrast this practice with that of the Hamilton County Commission, which typically meets on Wednesday mornings. How many people can make it to a meeting that starts at 9:30 a.m. on a weekday and may run through noon?
I am fortunate enough to have a job (professor at UTC) where my class schedule is somewhat flexible and can be adjusted to allow me to leave campus at various times during the day. This is what will allow me to serve as a Commissioner if I am elected on August 3. But, the majority of citizens with daytime jobs are precluded from even throwing their hat in the ring because they could not attend the meetings if elected. And even citizens with no desire to serve on the County Commission, but just having a concern that they would like to voice to that body, must arrange to take time off from work in order to do so.
If elected, I will propose changing the schedule of meetings such that at least some of the County Commission meetings are held during the week, in the evening, so more citizens have the opportunity to attend and make their concerns known to the Commission and the media covering the meeting. This is just one example of the kind of responsiveness and concern I will bring to my public service on your behalf.
Political Thoughts | By joedumas | 02:06 PM