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Amarillo mayor moves public comment earlier in council meetings, urges civility
Summary
Mayor Stanley explained why public comment will appear earlier in the meeting so speakers can hear staff presentations first and offered a renewed call for respectful, policy-focused criticism rather than personal attacks.
Mayor Stanley opened a council meeting by explaining a procedural change that moves public comment earlier on the agenda so residents hear presentations before speaking. The mayor said the change is intended to help speakers be “more educational in what their concern could be” and to encourage informed comments.
Stanley framed the change as an experiment: if it does not work, the council can revert. He also emphasized decorum: “I would really ask is if you guys can continue to separate criticism of policy from criticism of persons,” he told the chamber, urging commenters to avoid personal attacks. The mayor reminded citizens that the council—s role is to listen, that public comment is a venue to be heard, and that the council may follow up through staff or add items to future agendas.
Council members generally supported the effort to increase public understanding before comment but asked staff to monitor whether the change improves deliberation and turnout. The session included clarification about the three-minute public-comment time limit and an automatic cut-off at 3:15 to keep meetings fair to all speakers. The council said it will reassess the change after trial use.
