Regardless of whichever council, board, committee or group that is holding public meetings, I want to remind anyone and everyone that attending said meetings is an important part of anyone’s civic duty similar to voting.
This goes for anyone in our surrounding towns and communities such as Sundown, Morton, Anton, Whiteface, Smyer, Whitharral and Ropes.
I’m not going to single out a specific entity because I think there are a lot of hot topics and items multiple groups are having to handle.
If there is one thing that I have taken away as I have sat through numerous meetings for different groups, the common denominator is the only people in attendance are the ones who are required to be.
These meetings and gatherings are open to the public and are planned out well in advance for individuals who have tight schedules.
There is a reason public comment is one of the first items on every agenda regardless of who is holding the meeting. Anyone can say there piece and then leave if they choose to do so.
I don’t think I have attended any meeting where any individual spoke during public comment to commend the group of individuals for their work, but that is neither her nor there.
However, I think more than 95 percent of us have social media and I see more engagement about different topics on these platforms that will do nothing compared to engagement in the actual meetings.
Now we all know that there is going to be more displeasure voiced than the ladder, but why not actually try to make a difference or let your voice be heard then yelling in an empty room.
The whole point for these groups is to make choices and make their portion of what they can control the best it can be for the community.
More often than not, these individuals sitting in their spots are elected which means the people who are not pleased or who may be can let their voice be heard through voting.
Anyone can still be vocal after that step in the meetings they hold.
The more voices that attend the better when trying to convey a message, but please be considerate.
I can recall every meeting where someone approached public comment and they were disrespectful and that took away from the topic the individual was trying to address.
Do your due diligence before hand as there may be a reason the group has to doing something particular.
Beyond that, speak your mind and engage with your community representatives.
This entire process is for the community to make the community a better place.
It takes everyone to be understanding and want to see their community continue to grow.