The Meeker County Board of Commissioners’ Dec. 7 denial of a proposed DNR Wildlife Management Area was disappointing — in more ways than one.
We agree with commissioners Beth Oberg and Joe Tacheny. With fewer and fewer private properties available, Meeker County needs more places for residents to hunt and connect with the outdoors.
Recreational opportunities are important to our residents. Most chose to live in west central Minnesota because they embrace a rural lifestyle. Will rural areas eventually be overtaken by building developments, thus increasing the tax base but hindering natural habitat, until there’s nothing left — until there are no places to acquaint with Mother Nature ... no places to take a walk in the woods ... to hear the songs of birds ... to watch the deer roam?
The 153-acre property in Ellsworth Township, near Sioux and Willy lakes, would have provided countless sportsmanship opportunities, but it appears county coffers and lack of confidence in the DNR took precedence on Dec. 7.
Of equal concern, the family offering the property wasn’t given a voice at the county board meeting, despite having several of its members in attendance. This was a painful reminder that residents continue to feel alienated from their governing bodies.
Citizen participation in local government is important. Our county’s elected officials should want to hear from citizens, especially those who bring proposals to the table. The vitality of any board is measured by levels of public interest and involvement.
Isn’t listening to the concerns/ideas of constituents what most elected officials cite as priorities during their campaign?
Unfortunately, in some cases, the law doesn’t guarantee the right to voice an opinion.
While elected officials are required to let citizens attend most meetings (excluding portions that the law permits to be closed), it doesn’t mean the podium or microphone is a free for all.
“Sunshine laws” require boards to allow public comment before making decisions on proposed budgets, bond issues and zoning. And they require that most records be classified as public information. Only public hearings and designated “public comment” periods allow citizens to address elected officialswithout prior approval.
The law does not require that citizens be allowed to participate and speak at commission meetings (other than public hearings). It merely specifies that the public has a right to attend meetings. It is up to boards, commissions and councils to determine if, and for how long, residents will be allowed to speak.
In the interest of time, we understand that elected officials must limit the time citizens are allowed to speak at public meetings. We understand that officials shouldn’t subject themselves to personal attacks by people attempting to foster a narrow self interest. And we understand that boards have a right to defend their actions. But our public officials must make time to listen to their constituents, especially in situations where members of the audience simply want an opportunity to voice support for a proposal.
Perhaps the Meeker County Board of Commissioners should clearly define what justifies an opportunity to speak outside of public hearings.
Criticism of government and lack of confidence in elected leaders has only intensified in recent months, even here in Meeker County. But that doesn’t mean residents should be silenced. Hearing outside perspectives, helping to frame local issues, is healthy.
Elected officials, as well as members of their audience, should be mindful of a quote by Stephen R. Covey: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Let’s have conversations to the contrary.
A fair hearing of issues at government meetings will ensure the needs of Meeker County are being met, not just the desires of a few elected officials.
