To the Editor:

Since I returned to Ogdensburg from college back in the 1970s, I’ve been fortunate to have served on numerous public bodies.

For many years I served our region on the Black River- St. Lawrence Regional Planning Board, member and Chair of the Ogdensburg Zoning Board of Appeals, City Democratic Chair, member of the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Chair of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee; Chair of the Congressional Democratic County Chairs, Delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Treasurer of my union’s Local; delegate and 2nd Vice-President of the Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties Regional Labor Council, two terms as a St. Lawrence County Legislator, Chair of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislator’s subcommittee on Economic Enhancement; and the County Legislature’s representative on the River Valley Redevelopment Agency (RVRDA).

All of those public bodies followed a set of procedures when the meeting was in session and they made sure that ultimately we adhered to Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure. I’m sure you will agree with me that it is important that a public agenda is followed so that the public is aware of what will be discussed and have an opportunity to participate in that discussion.

As part of the City’s Municipal Code there is a set of Procedures of City Council Meetings §AR-17, that was amended in Sept 2001. Recently, there has been some discussion that the public would like additional time to address the council other than just at the beginning under Citizen Participation. There is a section in that Municipal Code under AR-17 that falls under G. Citizen Participation, 7.4, Reading of Protests. “This section refers to interested persons, or their authorized representatives, may address the Council for the reading of protests, petitions or communications relating to a matter over which the Council has control when an item is under consideration by the Council, if a majority of the Council present agrees to let them be heard. Such readings shall be governed by the rules set forth within Rule 7.2 herein.”

However, at other public bodies, it has been up to the members of that body to ask permission from the chair for a member of the public to address a particular resolution or item for discussion. In this way the chair of the meeting maintains control over the proceeding so business is actually carried out. But just as importantly, members of the public always have an opportunity to provide additional input into a discussion regarding a resolution before the council. Because in the end its true that as representatives of the public, the City council should provide for as much public input as possible without turning the meeting into chaos.

It looks like it’s time to change the code!

Vernon “Sam” Burns

Ogdensburg Mayoral Candidate