Letter to the Editor:

Town board meetings should  Allow for open discussion

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your coverage of the recent Town of Lincoln meetings and the discussion with Mr. Lucarelli regarding the First Amendment and Open Meetings.  

It is disappointing that community discussions are being so limited by the town chair’s discretion. While it is true the chair has the authority to limit or eliminate public comment, it seems a shame we can’t discuss openly issues that are important to our area’s work and health.  

All discussions, which I have witnessed, have maintained extreme decorum with the exception of the town chair’s banging the table at the May meeting in apparent frustration.  

Note that Town of Lincoln monthly meetings rarely extend beyond 30 minutes in length. (And on further note, I’m told that our neighbors in Illinois are required to include public comment on the agenda.)

I am hopeful future governments can be more accepting of public discussion and diverging opinions.

Here to listen, discuss, and assist,

Carol Marshall

Eagle River