The county’s website says “citizen engagement is the heartbeat of effective local government.” Why, then, have the county commissioners eliminated general public comment at their business meetings? Their excuses are many—and wholly unpersuasive. Listen to find out how this happened and what you can do about it.

Email me any time, I’d love to hear from you: emilysuyat@gmail.com

* Attend the commissioner’s business meeting Feb 10, 1:30pm-2:30pm, 100 Third St, Castle Rock CO. Get details and agenda here. Email the BoCC and let them know you are a DougCo resident who wants general public comment: bocc@douglas.co.us

* Town Hall with Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle on Feb 12, 6-7pm at Franktown Elementary School. **PLEASE NOTE ON THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED FROM WHAT I SAID ON THE PODCAST** More details here.

* Interest survey - expand the commissioners from 3 to 5

* Follow Irene Bonham on Facebook and find out more on her website.

Find February meet and greets in DougCo for Congressional candidates seeking to replace Lauren Boebert; all candidates are Democrats. In alphabetical order: Trisha Calvarese, Eileen Laubacher, John Padora, Jenna Preston.

Sources for this episode: The county’s statement on prioritizing "real voices” and using students and the disablity community to shield themselves from criticism - coverage by Denver7”Open mic at the comedy show” quote by Commissioner George Teal - coverage by Denver7Denver Post’s coverage (gift link)Living in Parker Facebook post with over 200 comments opposing the commissioner’s decision to end public comment.Candidate Irene Bonham’s comment on Facebook in support of general public commentCandidate John Diak’s comment on FacebookNo comment from candidate Jake Bockenfeld

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