Over the last year or so we have seen the City Council drastically limit options citizens previously had available. For years any citizen could request an item to be moved from the consent calendar to the discussion calendar. Within the last year, Council decided citizens could no longer have that privilege. It was perhaps misused at times, but eliminating the option entirely goes too far.

Recently, the Council has endorsed sending letters to citizens they feel “disrupt” council meetings. The letters threaten to ban people from attendance at meetings. Some people have been ejected from these meetings.

I believe our Council members are there to listen to what citizens have to say. Council members owe citizens an opportunity to speak their piece. They don’t have to agree, but they do have to listen – respectfully and attentively. As your representative I will give you the courtesy of listening to you; I will see that you have the chance to address Council. Citizens have the right to address the council on any matter related to the city's business. It is your right and my duty.