Be vocal, whether assembly wants to hear you or not

If you have something to say to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly, you might want to show up early, if a proposed ordinance restricting the time for public participation at meetings passes.

The change to procedure — Ordinance 12-002 — would set a maximum time limit of 60 minutes for public participation. With a three-minute limit per person already in place, this would restrict initial testimony to the first 20 people heard.

While we unequivocally support the public’s right to be heard by those entrusted with pursuing the public interest, we are concerned about the potentially chilling effect this could have on participatory democracy and the public’s right to address its own government easily, and in a meaningful, timely manner.

We understand the good intentions behind the proposal and the desire for streamlined meetings. But as it is, it can be too difficult for people to schedule time to attend an assembly meeting. If getting to speak is an uncertainty, it could keep people away.

That is not what government should be encouraging, especially in these days of decreasing voter turnout and increasing voter dissatisfaction.

The proposed change is also troubling, at least on its surface, in the wake of recent meetings that have included passionate and lengthy public testimony about the proposed Wishbone Hill coal mine. There are already measures in place to manage public participation, including the three-minute time limit on commenting and the assembly’s opportunity to urge those who attend to not reiterate opinions already expressed.

The proposed change is unnecessary. Packed assembly chambers are an exception. More common is the complaint from elected officials about the lack of public interest and poor attendance at public meetings. So when Mat-Su Valley residents take time out from their busy lives to exercise a fundamental right of participatory democracy, their elected officials ought to be willing to listen.

The assembly will consider Ordinance 12-002 at its Tuesday meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., at the borough building, 350 E. Dahlia Ave., Palmer. If passed, the change takes effect immediately.

We urge residents who can to attend the meeting and voice their opinions. For those who cannot, contact information for borough assembly members is below.

Warren Keogh

District 1

P.O. Box 1166, Chickaloon, AK 99674

Phone: 745-1161

Email: warrenkeogh.district1@gmail.com

Noel Woods

District 2

P.O. Box 827, Palmer, AK 99645

Phone: 745-3027

Email: noelwoods@mtaonline.net

Ronald G. Arvin

District 3

189 E. Nelson No. 136, Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: 745-9845

Email: ronarvin@mtaonline.net

Steve Colligan

District 4

P.O. Box 874294, Wasilla, AK 99687

Phone: 373-1502

Email: stevecolligan@mtaonline.net

Darcie K. Salmon

District 5

P.O. Box 877476, Wasilla, AK 99687

Phone: 232-8080

Email: darciesalmon@mtaonline.net

Jim Colver

District 6

P.O. Box 427, Palmer, AK 99645

Phone: 746-5300

Email: jimcolver@mtaonline.net

Vern Halter

District 7

P.O. Box 389, Willow, AK 99688

Phone: 355-1328

Email: vernhalter@mtaonline.net