Staff Writer
HOULTON — “Fairness, that’s all I ask for.”
That was a request made during the May 27 council meeting. Town councilors wrestled with the idea of adopting a Rules of Order for public comment in an effort to bring more order to council meetings. The “rules” ask that both councilors and members of the public refrain from arguing and being disrespectful to one another.
Former town councilor Phil Bernaiche strongly opposed a formal plan to manage public participation and councilor conduct.
“I think that if a person has something to say to you … you should be able to answer all their questions or make arrangements to do so,” he remarked. “I think you should respect the public and listen to them. Don’t put shackles on them.”
Councilor Jerry Adams asked the public for their recommendations and clearly told fellow councilors that he had too many unanswered questions and he could not vote in favor of the motion without having his concerns addressed beforehand.
The Rules of Order require public speakers to be respectful with their comments and to refrain from directing personal statements to councilors or members of the council audience.
Councilor Sue Tortello told the public that there was no intent to quiet the people of Houlton. In fact, she urged the public to come forward and share their thoughts and concerns.
“The intent, certainly wasn’t to discourage people from coming forward,” she explained. “It (Rules Of Order) just helps to ensure that everybody is treated fairly. Everybody will be treated the same way as long as people follow the rules.
“It wasn’t an attempt to stifle discussion … it was to make it more efficient, more effective,” she added.
The “rules” are intended to act as guidelines for both the public and the council.
“We’re just trying to establish some rules,” explained Councilor Nancy Ketch. “It was intended to be guidelines. Unless we have something in writing, we can’t enforce it.”
Councilor Walter Goodrich reminded the council and the public the sole purpose of holding council meetings — to conduct council business.
“These rules are pretty much common sense,” he said. “What gets lost in the big picture is that town council is to do town business. We really do allow more public comment.”’
The public comment rules of order direct all those taking part in the public comment process to behave accordingly and in a respectful manner. Proponents said it is not intended to be a question-and-answer period, but an opportunity for people to come in and bring awareness to the council of their concerns regarding town matters.
The Rules Of Order do not apply to specific public hearings, which do allow a question-and-answer period for all parties, proponents added.
With the exception of Councilor Paul Romenelli who was absent from the meeting, all councilors unanimously voted in favor of adopting the rules of order for public comment.
