HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0959.025 2004-2006
Re: Resolution 402.06
Toni Reynolds
Address: 76-6307 Kaheaiu St., Kailua-Kona
I'd like to speak in favor of proposed resolution 402.06, which would
alternate the council meetings in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
I am currently an elementary teacher, and have also worked in the past as a
news reporter in the San Francisco Bay Area. I've always been an advocate
of citizen action and participation in our government-at all levels-local,
state and national. I've always stressed to my students the importance of
citizen participation in our democracy-voter involvement is the key to
change. In my past work as a news reporter, I saw first hand the important
impact of citizen involvement, and how a few motivated individuals can
make a major impact on one's community. I believe the growing area of
Kona needs more of a voice at the county and state level. One way to hear
the voice of these citizens-those who elected you to office-is to give them
a fair opportunity to speak to the council.
I understand that there is a financial concern about holding meetings here in
Kona, but I believe these financial worries can be mitigated in several ways.
First, is it necessary to rent expensive resort hotel conference rooms for
every meeting? Why not hold the Kona side meetings at a less expensive,
more convenient spot-such as the community college in Kealakekua?
By holding meetings at the community college, you could also solve the
other complaint-that of lack of teleconferencing access for those on the
other side. The University of Hawaii and the Community College frequently
offer courses with a teleconference link. The equipment is there, and the
space is there. I'm sure the county could make some cost-effective
arrangement, in the interest of promoting our democratic values.
Finally, I'd also like to comment on the meeting time, and how inconvenient
it is to common, working folks. I am fortunate to have several weeks off in
the summer to attend a meeting like today's 9:00 am meeting. However,
9:00 in the morning is not convenient to most people who work. Many other
communities I've lived in (and where in y friends live) hold their council
meetings in the late afternoon or evening. Or perhaps we could hold them
on a weekend? If you truly want to encourage participation of those citizens
who have elected you to office, I believe these important meetings need to
be held at a time and a place that is convenient to more people. q Si ZS
Comm. No._
Ref. TaresseWCOMSLI
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