PLEASE PRESENT THESE COMMENTS TO THE PUBLIC AND BOARD

Meeting Procedures, Public Comment Rule Changes

I am requesting changes be made to the Meeting Procedures document. While Augusta County is trying to ensure accessibility to all persons, those with sight difficulties do not know who is speaking. It would be appropriate that the speaker be recognized by the Chair in a manner in which listeners know who is speaking. A simple raising of the supervisor’s hand and the “Chair recognizes Supervisor _____, _______ District.” In the view of transparency, please make this change. Please make sure the board members microphones are on when speaking.
I am also asking that during matters to be presented by the public, do not let the board members interrupt the public while they are speaking, especially since the public is restricted to a proposed 4 minutes. The speakers should only need to provide their name and district. Providing their address during a publicly televised meeting creates a risk.
Applause has always been a free form of expression. Applauding for our community’s youth, civil servants’ milestones, and the generosity of others is a sign of acceptance and pleasure. Whether it is a speaker discussing a personal issue or it’s a moment of celebration, neither should be restricted from applause.