Solution For Fargo On Public Comments: Open Mic Night
Local governments need to provide "venting sessions" for citizens rather than shutting down public comment they don't like, think is irrelevant, or feel is a waste of time.
In recent weeks, the Fargo City Commission has been debating how to reduce public comment at its meetings.
The Fargo City Commission is looking at a proposal that would remove the public comment period section of their biweekly meetings.
The proposal was one of many presented to commissioners on Monday, in front of a filled city hall audience. The main suggested policy would restrict public comments to strictly agenda items at the top of the meeting, with an opportunity to speak on any topic at the end of the meeting. However, City Administrator Michael Redlinger discussed a "piece of feedback" he received that would remove public comments from the commission meetings in lieu of quarterly non-voting public forums.
Both Arlette Preston and John Strand voiced concerns about the removal of public comment periods.
"To eliminate them or push them off into public meetings is squelching the voice of the public, and why would we do that. Who wants to do that," said Commissioner Strand after heari…
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