Will we see government by the City Council tonight? Or will we see what one attendee at last night's Historic Preservation Commission called "Government by Gummerson"?
The City Council will consider the special use ordinance desired by Woodstock Christian Life Services, which originally included demolition of the building still known by many as Grace Hall. Will tonight's request on the Agenda still include that demolition?
Residents and other interested parties should show up tonight and plan to say whatever they have to say.
If you have something to say during the Public Comment period that is not exactly about the special use permit, then say it! Regardless of any preamble by the mayor designed to take the wind out of your sails, say it. Hopefully, the mayor never again will preface a Public Comment period with extended excuses and explanations that result in residents and citizens not speaking up.
If he does, just wait him out, disregard his remarks and stand up and say what you intend to say and at whatever length you intend to say it.
And then, during the public comment period on the Agenda item, say what is on your mind. And tell the City Council what you want them to do. Every one of the parties interested in preserving Grace Hall and its history should speak up tonight. Even if your neighbors have just said the same thing, stand up and speak for yourself. The City Council - all of them - need to hear from you! In public! Writing them, calling them, or speaking to them one-on-one is not the same as telling them in public at a City Council meeting what your opinion is and what you want them to do.
And if the Mayor attempts to limit comments by asking that you not re-state a position already stated by a previous speaker, just smile at him and proceed to say what you have to say.
The picture is entirely different when 100 people stand up and say 100 times what they want, than when one person speaks and 99 sit there and nod their heads.
Remember Abraham Lincoln's words: "...government of the people, by the people, for the people..." Do not let this type of government perish in Woodstock!
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT
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