Following last night’s full council meeting, when a member of the public was ejected from the public gallery, this in from Island resident Tanja Rebel. It is an open letter to Chairman of the Isle of Wight council, Cllr David Williams. In her own words. Ed
Dear Chairman,
I was there when Steve Goodman was thrown out of the Council Chamber during Public Question Time and am of the opinion that the problem could have easily been prevented if you had announced more question time early on.
As it was, the written questions (as well as answers) took so much time that those of us who wanted to ask an oral question felt frustrated and worried that we wouldn’t get the chance to ask our own question.
Equal time for both written and oral questions
Instead of banning supplementary questions, it would be good to know beforehand that there are fifteen minutes for written questions and then – if needed – fifteen minutes for those who have a question on the day. That way, nobody has to be worried about not having their concerns listened to.
The people who have come to the Full Council Meeting have made an effort to do so in the hope of being heard by the ruling group. If public concerns are given due attention and time there will be a lot more goodwill from the public gallery, of that you can be sure.
Avoid stifling debate
Instead of stifling debate, it should be actively encouraged as this would be good for democracy in general.
It is my hope that you can find a constructive way forward regarding this important issue and I am looking forward to your response,
Kind regards from Tanja Rebel
