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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Re: Resolution 402.06 <br /> <br /> Toni Reynolds <br /> Address: 76-6307 Kaheaiu St., Kailua-Kona <br /> <br /> <br /> I'd like to speak in favor of proposed resolution 402.06, which would <br /> alternate the council meetings in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. <br /> I am currently an elementary teacher, and have also worked in the past as a <br /> news reporter in the San Francisco Bay Area. I've always been an advocate <br /> of citizen action and participation in our government-at all levels-local, <br /> <br /> state and national. I've always stressed to my students the importance of <br /> citizen participation in our democracy-voter involvement is the key to <br /> change. In my past work as a news reporter, I saw first hand the important <br /> impact of citizen involvement, and how a few motivated individuals can <br /> make a major impact on one's community. I believe the growing area of <br /> Kona needs more of a voice at the county and state level. One way to hear <br /> <br /> the voice of these citizens-those who elected you to office-is to give them <br /> a fair opportunity to speak to the council. <br /> <br /> I understand that there is a financial concern about holding meetings here in <br /> Kona, but I believe these financial worries can be mitigated in several ways. <br /> First, is it necessary to rent expensive resort hotel conference rooms for <br /> every meeting? Why not hold the Kona side meetings at a less expensive, <br /> <br /> more convenient spot-such as the community college in Kealakekua? <br /> By holding meetings at the community college, you could also solve the <br /> other complaint-that of lack of teleconferencing access for those on the <br /> other side. The University of Hawaii and the Community College frequently <br /> offer courses with a teleconference link. The equipment is there, and the <br /> space is there. I'm sure the county could make some cost-effective <br /> arrangement, in the interest of promoting our democratic values. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, I'd also like to comment on the meeting time, and how inconvenient <br /> it is to common, working folks. I am fortunate to have several weeks off in <br /> the summer to attend a meeting like today's 9:00 am meeting. However, <br /> 9:00 in the morning is not convenient to most people who work. Many other <br /> communities I've lived in (and where in y friends live) hold their council <br /> <br /> meetings in the late afternoon or evening. Or perhaps we could hold them <br /> on a weekend? If you truly want to encourage participation of those citizens <br /> who have elected you to office, I believe these important meetings need to <br /> be held at a time and a place that is convenient to more people. q Si ZS <br /> Comm. No._ <br /> Ref. TaresseWCOMSLI <br /> Ref, Date <br />