Informal Meeting Is An Opportunity Missed By Most

By Kendra Bobowick

Selectmen delayed their meeting’s start last week, but an anticipated audience never arrived.

Aside from the one resident who showed up, the Head O’ Meadow School cafeteria remained empty during the nonagenda meeting meant to open informal discussion with the public. Robert Merola said, “I think this is a good idea, open conversation is a great idea, but how do you get people to come?” Mr Merola addressed First Selectman Joe Borst and fellow Selectmen Herb Rosenthal and Paul Mangiafico, joined by First Selectman-elect Pat Llodra.

After slightly more than an hour, coffee cups were either emptied or cold. Mr Mangiafico summarized, “As I had said initially, ‘What if no one comes?’ Well, we have a cup of coffee then go home.” The opportunity is the point, he said.

Mrs Llodra had agreed, “The opportunity is important, and I intend to continue…” She believes in the meetings’ potential. “The value is in the opportunity,” she said. She has conducted similar efforts before. During her employment in previous years, she had opened her office for discussions over coffee or breakfast, she said.

Along with infrequent requests for better communication with the selectmen, for one, Mr Mangiafico underlined one primary reason for hosting the meetings that started midyear: “If you go to an elected [board or commission] meeting, people talk and want a response.” Board members at times may choose to answer, but generally do not, which the small group of five also noted. “Generally boards don’t respond,” he said. “And, with good reason; one comment leads to another and another, and you never get to the agenda.” The venue presented last week was simple. “If people want a discussion in a formal meeting, they can’t have it, that’s what this is for,” Mr Mangiafico explained. 

While regular selectmen’s meetings allow for residents to comment, adding their thoughts to the public record regarding topics, the less formal meetings enable discussion and possibly answers to the public’s questions. Regular meetings often only recognize the speaker, but do not engage in conversation. “I like the chance for a discussion,” Mr Merola added.

Lack of attendees proved disappointing. “Look at the turnout,” Mr Mangiafico said. “The tur-out is awful.” The third of such informal meetings was similar to previous dates, each seeing four people or fewer.

Topics entered conversation last week and just as quickly passed: open space, taxes, quality of education, zoning regulations, percentage of voters participating in elections or budgets, etc.