Sanpete County Commission should turn the public-comment microphone back on … Let the people speak

There is something wonderful about a citizen standing up before his or her elected representatives and proclaiming, “I have something to say.”

It is the most basic expression of representative government.

That is why the Sanpete County Commission should reconsider its policy of barring public comment at commission meetings (without arranging several days in advance to get on the agenda.)

Across our county, nearly all our cities and towns have a public comment period as part of every council meeting.

Some cities ask residents to sign up at the beginning of the meeting. Others allow anyone to simply stand up and comment during the comment period.

Statewide, 17 of the 29 counties in Utah (see graphic in this story) allow for public comment at virtually every meeting. Besides time limits, the rules typically prohibit personal attacks, threats and discussion of confidential matters.

Sanpete County commissioners would not need to debate every comment or even take immediate action. They would simply have to listen.

The current system in Sanpete County allows residents to speak if they contact the county clerk three business days before the commission meeting.

There is certainly value in allowing people to put an issue on the agenda and receive the commission’s full attention. That practice can continue while allowing for more spontaneous public comment.

Public comment exists for various reasons: Sometimes citizens need to respond to what is actionable before a governmental body. A new issue may come up. A resident may have information the commission has not yet considered.

Under the county’s current system, that resident generally cannot simply raise his or her hand (or sign up that day) to respectfully address the commission.

This approach misses the spirit of an open public meeting.

Public comment and involvement is a small but utterly important check on that government authority. No one should assume that Sanpete County commissioners are acting improperly before asking for greater opportunity for public participation. We don’t believe they are.

But systems of government should not be built around the assumption that today’s leaders will always be good, reasonable and trustworthy.

We urge the Sanpete County Commission to open its regular meetings to general public comment, not because the commissioners are failing, but because an open government should welcome the voices of the people it represents.