Emmons County residents press for open public-comment rules at meeting

Resident 1, a public commenter, said, "not letting people speak is probably not the best way to run a government," during remarks at an Emmons County public meeting where several residents discussed public-comment procedures.

Speakers focused on how time is allotted to individuals and whether rules that restrict who may speak are appropriate. Resident 3 said that when placed on an agenda "I'm on the agenda here 15 minutes and I'm done in 10 minutes. I can ask permission to chairman to field 5 minutes to Kevin and if you're okay and then he gets to talk." Resident 2 described a local tradition of broad public comment and said the practice has been "a very productive way to run meetings."

The commenters also referenced legal guidance in general terms; one speaker said there have likely been "a lot of attorney general opinions" about limits on who may speak. No specific statute, ordinance, or written policy was cited during the remarks. Participants exchanged practical suggestions about yielding time to other speakers and noted meeting attendance (one speaker remarked there were "4 people in here").

There were no formal motions or votes recorded in the transcript excerpt. The meeting proceeded to a lunch recess after public comment.