Pocono News Section

Township Passes New Public Comment Regulations

Township Passes New Public Comment Regulations - Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 04:18AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday May 13 2010
0/ 5 rating

MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Middle Smithfield Township supervisors unanimously approved a a new public comment policy Thursday.

Resident Bob Pohlman complained,"They're restricting public comment, important public comment."

Supervisors say it will get rowdy meetings under control. Chairman Scott Schaller said,"it's not a free for all. We're here to do the people's business and we're not gonna tolerate it anymore."

Under the new rules public comment cannot last longer than thirty minutes total. Also you can only comment about agenda items before supervisors explain them. If you want to know what exactly those issues are you have to file a Freedom of Information Request.
Residents wonder how they are supposed to comment when they don't know what the issues are.

Larry Dymond said, "I'm totally disgusted with how our township has gone downhill."

The new rules impacted Dymond right away. He tried to ask supervisors about an illegal burn that could cost taxpayers $25,000 in fines. The item wasn't on the agenda. So no one answered his question. Schaller noted,"When it becomes a part of the agenda they can talk about it."

Some say if they have to watch their words - so should the supervisors. Dymond explained,"They call us naysayers and scum and roaches."

Schaller responded,"I think on one occasion i used the word slimy because there are a select slimy bunch that come out here to make trouble."

Supervisor Schaller added that even though people can't say as much as they want at meetings - they are welcome to approach him in his office. He explained,"I'm free to talk to anybody i want any time i want if they want to come in and ask me about it."

Supervisors say their public comment rules are now more like others across the state.

Schaller said he will look into people's concerns about having to comment on issues they can't read about in advance.