Keith Owens urges Gurnee officials to restore public comment at meetings

Public participation took center stage at the Gurnee Village Board meeting on April 7, 2025, as resident Keith Owens urged officials to restore public comment opportunities before agenda items. In a passionate address, Owens congratulated the board on their reelection and highlighted the importance of community engagement in local governance.

Owens pointed out that while Gurnee follows the Open Meetings Act, it lacks written rules for public comment, unlike 20 neighboring villages. He emphasized that the law mandates public bodies to establish guidelines for citizen input, which he believes would enhance transparency and democracy in local decision-making.

Historically, Gurnee allowed public comments at both the beginning and end of meetings, fostering open dialogue. However, recent practices have limited comments to the end, a change Owens argues undermines community involvement. He referenced the Attorney General's office, which confirmed that while public comment can occur at the end of meetings, having written rules is essential.

Owens concluded his remarks by expressing hope for a return to more inclusive public participation, promising to bring donuts and coffee to the meeting when that change occurs. His call for action reflects a growing desire among residents for greater engagement in local governance, urging the board to consider reinstating public comment at the start of meetings to better serve the community.