During two recent County Council Meeting Councilman Ron Angle has introduced a resolution to formalize a "Public Comment Policy". Both attempts were soundly defeated along party lines. The resolution on August 16th was defeated by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmen Brennan abstaining and Zembrowski not present. Coucilwomen Cuono, Liberman and McHale as well as President Grube and Councilmen Corriere voted against the resolution. Only Councilman Down joined Mr. Angle in voting in favor of the resolution.

Again on September 6th Mr. Angle reintroduced the resolution and it was defeated 7-1 with Mr. Dowd absent. At the meeting on the September 6th all democratic members of council voted "nay" when the vote was taken.

Are members of council afraid that people will speak in opposition to the view they are taking? Aren't they elected to represent our views? Are they afraid that the public's input will increase the length of their meetings? How can an elected public official vote not to allow public comment during all phases of debate and discussion?

Take a few minutes and examine the current situation with regards to the Northampton County Council. Who's beat are they marching to? Is it the taxpayers or the administrations? Even if you know nothing about music ….. you'll be able to come up with this answer!