The T's often wish all of our commenters would sign their names. But we take them seriously (if direct personal attacks are avoided) in spite of not knowing their identity. We answer questions, and make referrals to other resources, and sometimes write about issues commenters bring up.
At Tuesday's Town Council meeting, objections were raised to considering issues and opinions delivered via self-described activist Lisa Gardner -- by anonymous residents.
Yes, issues can be clearer when the other party has a name, and a face. But omitted identity doesn't make folks or their concerns less real.
Here's what can happen when you put yourself into the public eye and state your case:
- You wait over an hour to speak at a Town Council meeting, and are told the Town doesn't have jurisdiction.
- You watch as your representatives make a mockery of a request or idea, wasting lots of time and money.
- You hear representatives making derogatory comments about citizens.
- You are threatened by an officer of the law at your place of business.
- You have sculpture stolen by a trespasser from your home.
- You have a chunk of brick thrown at your car.
- You get scolded for helping neighbors get their voices heard.
A council member may say they visited so-and-so or had a number of calls or emails. These unnamed citizens are anonymous to the public, even if known to a council member. Should those comments also be disregarded because they were not spoken by the citizen in public and in front of the entire council? We think the message is more important than the medium.
Rather than selectively discarding input, the Town should be pleased they are receiving more information through a reputable channel, Ms. Gardner. If Council and Town staff take all citizens seriously, perhaps they will then identify themselves when saying "thank you."