Although I enjoy many of the presentations that take place at council meetings and am in favor of showing recognition to outstanding community members, most of us attend meetings to express views or to share opinions about issues important to us personally or to our communitites.

I beleive that the ability for citizens to speak publically about city issues is critical to our democratic process, and I am always interested in hearing what other residents have to say. I often learn as much from the remarks of other citizens as I do from City staff, and I appreciate speakers’ comments as a way of increasing public awareness of important issues in every part of our community. I hope that Council will consider extending the time allotted for Oral Communications.