Published during the insanity of the 2021 legislative session, this State Journal editorial in support of meaningful citizen participation in public meetings should not be overlooked. While some states actively debate the topic, little has been written in Kentucky.
Perhaps this is because the letter of Kentucky's open meetings law does not "speak to" the citizen's right to participate by public comment, securing only the citizen's right to observe and listen. But the spirit of the law promotes full public participation, recognizing that "the formation of public policy is public business."
Here is an excerpt from the March 1 editorial published by The State Journal editorial board:
"In one of the best known speeches in American history, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, President Abraham Lincoln said 'that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'
"Our democracy was founded on the voices of the people. However, if you've watched any recent virtual meetings of local government bodies you will have noticed one thing is noticably missing — direct citizen participation.
"We believe [public agencies have] good intentions, but, in our opinion, having the clerk read public comments rather than the people who penned them is ineffective. Lost in translation is seeing and hearing the passion the writer feels about the issue and, perhaps more important, the opportunity for elected leaders to ask and answer questions.
"Allowing citizens to comment during public meetings, even virtual ones, is imperative — especially since technology easily permits it and numerous government entities across the country are using it."
As we slowly emerge from the public health threat, the Kentucky Open Government Coalition endorses a return to responsible in-person attendance with the continuing option of virtual participation.
If the 2021 legislative session taught us anything, it is that the best hope for reigning in lawmakers' excesses may lie in requiring them to face, "person to person," the public they casually disserve "long-distance."
