The Same Ten People

Dana Grubb is a talented photographer, writer and speaker. He also takes an active interest in Bethlehem government, and certainly is one of  "the same ten people" who comments frequently at City Council meetings. The Bethlehem Press just published his editorial on the people who speak to power at municipal meetings. He learned recently that some members of City Council refer to them, pejoratively, as "STP," and then heard Council member Adam Waldron actually use the phrase. Dana describes these people.

Despite being met with blank stares, frowns and often dismissive attitudes, these residents return meeting after meeting to play a role and state their viewpoints, in an effort to get their points across to elected officials in the city.

“The they same 10 people?” Bethlehem is fortunate to have them, and so is council. They should be commended, not mocked, for the way they care about Bethlehem.

I cover lots of municipal meetings and many local governments do have "the same ten people." In most cases, elected officials will listen to and interact with citizens. Bethlehem City Council some years ago deluded itself into thinking that "courtesy of the floor" is something it must endure. Members do sit there, stone-faced, while citizens speak. I have said before that these elected officials should be able to interact with someone after his or her time is up. I believe the president could simply ask his colleagues if any member has any response or question.

Under the Pa. Sunshine Act, citizens have a statutory right "to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action. The board or council has the option to accept all public comment at the beginning of the meeting.."

Here's what I would suggest.

First, No questions. Many people approach a Council or Commission with questions and expect immediate answers. They get angry if there is no answer or of it is one they dislike. There is no statutory right to ask questions and expect answers. Courtesy of the floor exists for comment, not to put elected officials on the spot.

Second, less is more. People resent being time-limited, but if you're unable to say what you need to say in a three-minute time limit, work on it and cut out the bullshit.

Third, try not to speak unless you really have something that adds to the conversation. When "the same ten people" weigh in all the time and on every topic, they are far less effective. Too many people are in love with the sound of their voice. 

Fourth, be prepared. Nothing bothers me more than when a person who knows nothing about a topic begins a rant.

Finally, every right has a corollary duty. The right to speak includes a corollary duty to listen. Yet I often see speakers who come in late and miss everyone else, or who leave after they have gifted us with their pearls of wisdom. It's rude to expect people to listen to you when you refuse to listen to them. (I do understand some older people need to leave and that's understandable.)