Scheduling public hearings for the taxpayers' convenience

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Town of Woodbury Republican Party Committee held July 26, 2011, discussion took place about Municipal Governments holding “Public Hearings” during periods of time that residents are pre-occupied by festive holiday seasons and/or summer vacation season. Generally, those present felt it was unfair and inappropriate to hold “Non Essential” “Public Hearings at a time when the public was less available. The following resolution was adopted in an attempt to curtail these inconsiderate actions: “Now be it resolved that Municipal Governments should not hold Non Essential and/or Non Time Critical “Public Hearings” during periods of time that residents are pre-occupied by festive holiday seasons and/or summer vacation season.” Open and accessible government is the only way we can keep track of how our elected officials are representing us, and too often, public hearings are scheduled at the convenience of public officials, when they should be scheduled at the convenience of the taxpaying public. Ralph Caruso, chairman Woodbury Republican Committee