Speaking at Public Meetings

By Commissioner Sharon R. Brinks

Kentwood encourages its citizens to share their point of view at city meetings. A schedule of city meetings is posted on the city website at www.ci.kentwood.mi.us. You can view a list of upcoming meetings and other city events by clicking on the calendar tab at the top of the page. You can read a brief description of the various committees and boards by either clicking on the specific meeting on the calendar or accessing the list of committees and boards along the left of the page when using the "Access the City Center" tab. Along with that description, many of those committees and boards also post agendas and minutes and the City Commission posts the entire packet of information the Friday before their meeting. Here are some hints for making the most impact when speaking at city meetings:

DO:

• Do pick up an agenda when you arrive and ask any staff member or elected official at the meeting when is the best time to stand and talk about your issue. If you arrive early, walk around to introduce yourself and meet the people who will be making the decision before the meeting starts. (Elected officials' pictures are also posted on the website; you can look at them and know who is who when you arrive!)
• Do come to the microphone and begin by giving your name and address, so we have a proper record.
• Do prepare a summary of your points in writing, and make enough copies to give to the clerk and the meeting members. If you have pictures, bring them to the meeting. This summary will be a part of the record, and helps to make your position remembered and often more persuasive. Do not read the letter. Highlight the important points when you speak instead.
• Do speak directly to the Commission or Board members. They are the ones who will make a decision.
• Do organize your ideas with an outline of the important points.
• Do keep your comments brief. Plan for your comments to take about three to five minutes.
• Do ask staff or elected officials your questions about procedure or information you need before the meeting. The meeting is best used as a time to present a point of view, not to gather information. Email addresses and phone numbers are on the city website to find the answers to your questions before you arrive.
• Do speak into the microphone so other audience members can hear your comments. If another person has already made one of your points, say, "I agree with X, and want to make this additional point...."
• Do speak up. Your City values your opinion, even if it does not always win the issue. Citizen participation in government is what makes our country great!

DON'T:

• Don't be concerned if the decision is made to send your issue to a subcommittee of the City Commission. This structure is used by the City to make sure issues have enough time to be fully considered. Get the date of the subcommittee meeting and plan to attend. Let the committee chair know that you will be coming in case the meeting is adjourned.
• Don't insult your opponent or city staff. Assume instead that they are also trying to do what they see as the best for the city or those they represent. Often, your "opponent" will try to compromise to get you to let their proposal go forward. You just might be happy with the deal they propose.
• Don't walk away without understanding when a final decision will be made or what further input you could provide to support your position. If a decision is made that you do not like, ask if there is a process or time to appeal the decision. Some decisions are final; some are not.

Back to Articles