A common reason given why people don't show up to public meetings is because they're afraid their voices and comments won't be heard.
“Why spend an hour or two of my free time if my opinion doesn't matter?” is an easy attitude to have when approaching a public forum. And truthfully, sometimes it's more nuanced than that. Issues aren't normally cut-and-dry that if a board votes against concerns, they didn't consider input from the public.
However, the power of public input has been on full display in Washington County the past couple of in regards to a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations put forth by the Washington County Planning and Zoning Department.
The draft would revise the zoning regulations and update the density and lot sizes for land in a rural portion of the county. Some of the adjustments included in the draft drew ire from residents in the area who feared their small businesses, agricultural productions and land in general would be negatively affected. There were also concerns that the draft was being pushed through too fast without enough notice for rebuttal from those who would be affected.
Throughout November, the county hosted joint hearings Arlington, Forth Calhoun, Herman and Kennard. Then, on Jan. 19, the two entities again hosted a joint hearing at the Blair Public Library to which 300 to 400 people attended. Outside of hearings, citizens voiced concerns at regular supervisor meetings, wrote letters to the editor in opposition of it and organized informational meetings of their own in order to let those with the power to approve or deny it know they are unhappy with some of the language and the transparency with which it was being moved.
A collective voice that loud should let members on both boards know that their vote is being watched and that concerns regarding the issue are not to be ignored. The Washington County Board of Supervisors took the input into consideration, rejecting the draft in a unanimous 6-0 vote at its Jan. 24 meeting.
At the meeting, board members acknowledged that the public concern was reason to pause the draft and reconsider some of the language in it. While some may have initially decided to vote 'No' ahead of the public hearings, the resounding objection from the audience likely led to the decisive decision from the county board.
Voices matter at public forums and can mean the difference between a “Yes” and “No” vote for some members. An empty room typically gives off the feeling of cooperation and satisfaction. A packed room speaks volumes.
