Candidates back shifting public comment and boosting constituent outreach

Forum candidates were asked whether they would move public comment to the beginning of city-council meetings and what other ideas they'd support to increase citizen participation.

Candidate Lucas Moody said returning public comment to the start of meetings is important: “It would be like if at the library it would be very convenient if we only were open an hour a week... As public servants, we should be there for our constituents.” Betsy Kraske said she “fully support[s] moving public comment to a time that’s more accessible” and described holding office hours and neighborhood outreach. Rebecca Dawson supported splitting public comment—some at the start and some at the end—with guardrails to keep meetings efficient. Justin Ponton summarized the trade-offs and said he was open to dialogue; he noted virtual attendance options expand access.

Why it matters: Public-comment rules affect how accessible local government is to voters and can influence participation, transparency and civic trust in council decisions.

Discussion vs. decisions: Candidates stated preferences and offered outreach ideas; the forum did not change council rules.

Ending: All candidates prioritized more and better outreach; differences focused on whether comment should be moved to the start, split or remain at the end with other access improvements.