News photo by Steve Shullwitz Alpena County Executive Jesse Othmer, left, and Commissioner John Kozlowski look at a new comment form residents are being asked to fill out before the start of each county meeting. The information on the form will allow commissioners to easily contact residents after the meeting to address issues or provide information.
ALPENA — Alpena County is changing the way it hears public input during public meetings.
If you want to make a public statement, you will need to fill out an opinion card and include your name, address, phone number and the agenda. If your opinion is about an agenda issue or a specific vote, residents will mark it as yes or no.
County officials say the change will allow for a smoother flow of public input, especially on controversial issues, and make it easier for county commissioners and staff to contact individuals with more information, opinions or concerns about an issue.
County Administrator Jesse Othmer said the comment cards would also eliminate the need for people to share their addresses or phone numbers in public. Some people may be reluctant to share personal information for fear of it being exposed on social media or being harassed at home, he said.
“This is a way to protect people's personal information,” he said. “In today's political climate, things can get a little hostile, and we know people don't feel comfortable standing up in front of a meeting and giving out their address over Zoom. But it's important to use this information, because we can contact them to follow up or forward the information.”
Othmer said it also gives staff a way to compartmentalize and manage public input more easily, especially when there are a large number of people wanting to give their opinions to the board.
For many years, the county has had public comment sessions at the beginning and end of meetings, but that appears to have changed in recent months, with agenda items only being open for public comment at the end of meetings.
Doing so could deny individuals an opportunity to voice their views on an issue before commissioners discuss and vote on the issue.
Othmer said since being hired, he has provided public input to some of the smaller, less well-attended committee meetings.
He also said the county intends to return to two public input sessions per meeting, unless unforeseen circumstances require adjustments.
Osmer said public input is important because it provides an avenue for people to share their opinions, ideas and concerns with the committee.
“Anyone running for local office wants to hear from the people they serve,” Osmer said. “They can get input in a variety of ways, including letters to the editor and social media. But not all commissioners read the newspaper and they don't use social media, so public comment is a good way to get input to all commissioners at once.”
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ss_alpenanews.com
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