Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
Anyone who has ever read NorthIowaToday.com knows that we never play favorites, and that this publication calls ’em like we see ’em. And we’ve been justifiably critical, constructively, of the narrowed process by which, of late, citizens can obtain information and share their concerns with those elected to represent all of us.
At the most recent meeting [Sept. 11, 2012] of the Cerro Gordo county Board of Supervisors, chairman Bob Amosson opened the session with a statement which we believe was overly harsh – that is; at first. However, in keeping with the spirit of giving credit where credit is due, Mr. Amosson DID go out of his way to remind everyone that the general public has the right to attend their meetings and, under the little-known provison of Correspondence and Communications, to speak on items and issues which aren’t on the agenda.
“Correspondence and communications, that’s when anybody who wants to speak, who doesn’t have anything on the agenda, we’ll give them a chance” to speak on whatever issues concern them.
Amosson added that, “I think the people who’ve come here” to the meetings, including “the people that I represent in my district, I’ve never had a problem with any of them” coming to meetings, and speaking on whatever issues they want to talk about.
Fair enough, sir.
Notwithstanding our previous disagreements with the Supervisors and various differences we’ve had with them, I commend Mr. Amosson for his admirable efforts to remind the general public of its right – everyone’s right – to go before the Board of Supervisors’ meetings, and raise whatever issue, or issues, including non-agenda items, catches their fancy.
Well done, Mr. Amosson.
