It is not bad enough that the city council schedules the public hearing on our future Shoreline Master Plan for the middle of July - a plan many years in the making and one with two time extensions from the state. The council - with not a single member objecting - scheduled and started the public hearing well after 9 pm - leading many citizens to sit for over two hours waiting to speak and many having to go home because family concerns did not allow them to stay till 11 pm for a chance to speak. Yes, the council meeting started at 7 pm.
This is not the first time. Indeed, our city government - planning, mayor and council - know well what they are doing by holding hearings in the middle of summer and requiring people to wait hours to speak. They are controlling the process and reducing public participation. John Watts, that supposed paragon of public process, apparently does not object to this. Louise Bjornson, that supposed peoples’ representative, sits meekly and silently and lets it all pass before her. Terry Bornemann, who is contemptuous of the public in his private speakings, participates in disenfranchising the public. Barbara Ryan tells those who object to these controlled processes that they are “conspiracy nuts”. Barbara is either incredibly naive or is in favor of reducing public participation.
What we need to realize is the agenda is under the control of the council - and the council chose by default or by request to have the hearing on our future shorelines to be delayed until late in the council meeting. They acted contrary to the interests of citizens.
We should elect whomever runs against Louise in the General Election - Michael Lilliquist or Ham Hayes. We should elect Bill Geyer to replace Terry Bornemann. Mr. Watts will be leaving on his own accord. Shame on all of the council members. Any of them could have spoken up and represented the citizens’ interests.
Public hearing started well after 9 pm
It is not bad enough that the city council schedules the public hearing on our future Shoreline Master Plan for the middle of July - a plan many years in the making and one with two time extensions fr
It is not bad enough that the city council schedules the public hearing on our future Shoreline Master Plan for the middle of July - a plan many years in the making and one with two time extensions fr