Agreed. There’s an important caveat though. Governmental bodies, if not allowing for Q&A in a formal meeting, need to find another forum for public engagement. I think its fair to ask public officials questions such as: “Can you tell me what research you’ve done on the subject outside the meeting?” or “Can you clarify why you are negative about this issue?” Citizens have a right to ask and know this stuff. Too often officials simply hide behind some false pretense of formality. “We don’t have to answer your questions!”

What I’m aiming for is an ambiance of openness where the chairperson asks for public comment, clarifying that we only have time to take pure comments and not questions. Then to have this followed up immediately with an invitation for the proper venue to have this discovery. Avoiding this interaction breeds mistrust and really doesn’t serve anyone in the long run. In lieu of such bi-directional communication, officials should be prepared to offer clear justification and background for their decisions in the meetings. “I’m voting this way because….,” etc.

In terms of Traverse City, I think we’re well along the path to a better public process. Recent City-sponsored forums are just the recipe we need. And just to be clear these ten points were not designed with Traverse City in mind. They should work as universal tenets for any community.

I recognize the balance, and as a professional facilitator know too well the downside of meetings that have too little structure. If we can move meetings somewhere in the middle it might be a very different world. Thanks for reading.

I have served on public bodies and I was painfully aware of the desks facing the audience and the no-man’s land in-between. Now, speaking to an official body feels more like being on trial, talking to a Grand Jury. I feel like I’m being judged, instead of encouraged, to share my thoughts with ‘leaders’. I rarely feel a spirit of collaboration, or get feedback from a board of leaders. If they are so smart, pro-active and powerful, why are there so many problems? The more minds there are, tackling a challenge, the faster and better the answer is attained.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe we need to take a lesson from TV Talent shows, and have the ‘judges’ (leaders) all speak their minds after each live act. It would force them to pay attention and share their thoughts. Time limits would become critical, however. (I just hope I won’t get booted off the show with a low score card).