Letter to the Editor: 02.27.2025

02.27.2025

To the Editor:

In their efforts to discourage public comments and questions, the Town Council requires that anyone who wishes to speak at a Council meeting sign a public participation contract.The Council’s contract notes a “Three Minute Time Limit” and says, “After three minutes I agree to leave the microphone and yield the floor; and I agree that if I cause a disruption and I am asked to leave, I will leave the Chambers.”

A timer was installed in the Council chambers, but when a person addresses the Council, that timer is not visible to the speaker.

When I prepared my comments for the February 18 meeting, my speech was just under 3 minutes. Town Manager Raimo did not start the timer when I began speaking but started it when Ms. Rosa told me my time was up. I had 5 lines left.  When I looked at the timer, it moved from 00:00 to 00:01, so I said I would finish my remarks. The microphone was cut off.

Since the timer was not running, how did she know my time was up?

Believing I exceeded my time, I got my coat to leave.  Ms. Rosa said that if I do that again I will be asked to leave.  Why?  I didn’t cause a disruption to the meeting, and without the timer having been properly set, how do we know I exceeded the 3-minute limit?

The Republican Council majority members’ priority is watching a clock and sticking it to the public, not listening to our feedback and concerns.

Isn’t it interesting that Republican State Rep. Joe Polletta was able to exceed his three minutes without reprimand.

If you want open, honest, and responsive government, vote the Independent line in November and give residents back their voice.

Katherine Camara

Katherine Camara, 31 Cottage Place, Oakville, CT 06779

203-592-2043