I have been saddened by the conflict between the business community and the City Council over the format of the July 9 zoning meeting.
Seeing all the back and forth about whether it was a discussion or a presentation, who would be allowed to speak vs. submit written comments, and whether this is the first step toward a new ordinance, it struck me that everyone involved cares a lot about the issues and probably shares the same goals–they just can’t figure out how to talk to each other productively.
I wonder if part of the problem is that these are complicated and difficult issues that people can get emotional about, so the Council is afraid of being embarrassed if a public unstructured meeting goes off the rails.
I was thinking that a closed-door hearing with summary minutes could allow people to speak more freely and exchange views, but I guess that goes against the Open Meeting Law.
How can we promote effective, civil conversation for the public good?
Kimberly Gladman
Newton Centre
