Rick Knobe was the guest on The Good Ship Lalley Pop show today. During the first segment, Councilor Stehly messaged them on FB saying, “Public Input remains as is.” Knobe had pushed in the pass to have it changed.
Knobe responded that some of the mayoral candidates have considered changing the way we do public input if they win. He says it has become ‘disrespectful’. While I don’t disagree with that to a certain extent, the disrespect is not only coming from the public but from the dias, mainly the mayor. Either way, the 1st Amendment doesn’t stipulate ‘respect’. I also believe respect is earned. I don’t think I have to respect people who show me none.
Also, Public Input needs to remain at the beginning. The public isn’t getting paid to attend these meetings and there is no reason for them to sit through an entire meeting waiting to give their grievances. The mayor, city councilors and city staff are getting paid to attend, they can wait to do business until after public input.
I also think public input should extend to 1st readings and at the informational meetings.
If any mayoral candidate comes out publicly and says they will change public input to make it more difficult for citizens to participate in their government, they will certainly hear about it at the ballot box.
More reasons why the mayor should have nothing to do with City Council
Without public input there’s no entertainment at city council meetings. I enjoy sneers from side video Huether, snobs from Urp, and leers from Walter. They’ll be missed but maybe there will be a dvd resale from late night off channels.
I look forward to public input. When you guys speak truth to power, is it also required to bend a knee? Like you said, respect is earned, not decreed.
Make sure to offer Bud Light:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Cb5Wk2t-8
Knobe and Kirby
Part-Time South Dakota Residents…….