To the Editor:
I just finished reading an offensive op-ed written by an elected official of Stamford’s Board of Education RE “‘A Small Number of Individuals Have Come to Dominate Public Comment’ in Stamford,” (letter, Dec. 30), addressing those who speak up at public hearings.
I have lived in Stamford all my life, attended Stamford public schools and worked as a nurse for the city of Stamford for 38 years. I often speak at the public hearings at the Board of Representatives and the Zoning Board meetings and any other boards and commissions when there is an item that interests me and I would like to comment on. The residents of Stamford have that right. That is what the public comment section is for. Anyone in Stamford may speak and we all should encourage everyone to attend these meetings. During COVID, we lost a lot of public interaction with the community, as many people do not access zoom or even think to look for agendas on the city website. Planning and zoning board meetings should be hybridized. They were in-person twice a month before COVID.
It is not easy to get up to a podium to speak on items that often brings one to tears and for Ms. Munshi-south to say “the increasingly combative and repetitive tone of public comment can be draining,” is an insult to those who do come forward to speak.
As an elected official, there is a responsibility to actively listen to public needs and provide access to feedback. To describe people who speak up often as “monotonous” is so disrespectful. How hurt those who do speak up at public hearings must feel who read this opinion letter.
I can’t stress enough how important it is for all residents to attend any board or commission meeting that they find of importance and please don’t be afraid to speak up. Check the City of Stamford website for board and commission meetings. And, please, raise your hand!
Susan Halpern RN
Stamford, CT