[Winona Online Democracy] I, too, vote in favor of televised meetings. When I served on the school board, I was amazed at the number of individuals who told me they tuned in rather than attended the meetings in person. ( I confess that I now watch rather than attend the meetings.) While that board did discuss the possibility of meeting in different places to provide access to different constituencies, we landed back at City Hall. The meetings we held at Lincoln School could not be televised live, but they were taped and broadcast at another time. I'm not sure that served the public very well. Continuity of location is also a benefit, since people will know where to go when they wish to attend a meeting.
The other issue regarding the Middle School Media Center, from what I read in the local newspaper, was the problem of district officials discussing school matters whose backs were turned to the audience. This not only inhibibits hearing, it is rude. Public meetings are just that: people are entitled to access to public policy. We want to encourage public interest and participation above all else, even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient--even when they disagree with us. We have so little public engagement as a society; please don't make those who do show up feel like outsiders and interlopers. Please reconsider your new format. Vicki Englich _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
