During a recent government meeting in Meridian, concerns were raised regarding the lack of public engagement in significant policy updates. A speaker expressed disappointment over the process, highlighting that such substantial changes had not been handled without stakeholder input in the past.
The speaker pointed out that key language in the policy documents had been altered, with over 27 instances where terms like \"should\" were replaced with \"shall\" or \"must,\" indicating a shift in the policy's tone and implications. This change, they argued, represents a significant policy shift that warranted more thorough vetting.
Additionally, the speaker criticized the use of their name in relation to the documents, stating they had not been privy to the materials prior to the meeting. They concluded by urging for a more inclusive process in future policy changes of this magnitude, emphasizing the need for transparency and stakeholder involvement.