People who can’t make it to Boston City Council budget hearings this year are now being allowed to testify via on-line teleconference. Should Newton residents be empowered to do the same thing at City Council and School Committee meetings? Via Universal Hub.
Your headline is drunk.
Sober now. thanks.
So what say ye?
Your headline is drunk.
Sober now. thanks.
So what say ye?
Google Hangouts? No thank you.
Google Hangouts? No thank you.
If it’s just one way communication, why not just accept prerecorded video testimony in addition to written testimony?
If it’s just one way communication, why not just accept prerecorded video testimony in addition to written testimony?
I have mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, if a person cares enough about an issue they should be able to come to city hall or the ed center to not only be heard, but to listen to others with different views.
On the other hand, people are busy with jobs and kids and, well, life. Not allowing them to participate means activists, and yes people with, um, less of a life will be heard and that limits the variety of viewpoints our decision makers hear from during public comment.
I have mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, if a person cares enough about an issue they should be able to come to city hall or the ed center to not only be heard, but to listen to others with different views.
On the other hand, people are busy with jobs and kids and, well, life. Not allowing them to participate means activists, and yes people with, um, less of a life will be heard and that limits the variety of viewpoints our decision makers hear from during public comment.
There are lots of reasons a person who cares may not be able to attend in person. Being ill, not being able to get a baby sitter, being out of town on a business trip, having a disability that limits one’s energy/ability to get out, are just some possibilities.
There are lots of reasons a person who cares may not be able to attend in person. Being ill, not being able to get a baby sitter, being out of town on a business trip, having a disability that limits one’s energy/ability to get out, are just some possibilities.
This is a good idea, provided that the meeting rooms have the technology to allow everyone to hear the testimony. Depending on sound quality, it might even be a good idea to have closed-captions. I represent a deaf client who requires an ASL interpreter in order to participate in municipal meetings (in another city). There are frequently some logistical issues with scheduling the interpreter, and ASL interpreters need breaks so sometimes more than one is needed. But it is the only way my client can meaningfully participate. If teleconferencing is the only way other members of the public can meaningfully participate in a public hearing or meeting, and we have the technology, then I think it is something we ought to do. I mean, does anyone really question using microphones to make it easier to hear and record what happens at public hearings or meetings? Same thing in my mind.
This is a good idea, provided that the meeting rooms have the technology to allow everyone to hear the testimony. Depending on sound quality, it might even be a good idea to have closed-captions. I represent a deaf client who requires an ASL interpreter in order to participate in municipal meetings (in another city). There are frequently some logistical issues with scheduling the interpreter, and ASL interpreters need breaks so sometimes more than one is needed. But it is the only way my client can meaningfully participate. If teleconferencing is the only way other members of the public can meaningfully participate in a public hearing or meeting, and we have the technology, then I think it is something we ought to do. I mean, does anyone really question using microphones to make it easier to hear and record what happens at public hearings or meetings? Same thing in my mind.
Greg’ I don’t agree with your first hand.
Although I do think most Newtonites are not only busy but also just expect the local stuff to run along without them unless some particular thing prompts their involvement, just like in other towns and cities.
But even some civic minded residents cannot attend many meetings with valid reasons. I’ll add night blindness. I can’t see in the dark – might fall down a step not even realizing its there as some on this blog have recently observed.
But seriously, I email it in. Videoing it in for some isn’t a bad idea. I’m hating to think of how long some hearings will last.
As a reminder, this thread is about providing public comment via video, not simply observing a meeting. All meetings should be on NewTV and streamed.
Greg’ I don’t agree with your first hand.
Although I do think most Newtonites are not only busy but also just expect the local stuff to run along without them unless some particular thing prompts their involvement, just like in other towns and cities.
But even some civic minded residents cannot attend many meetings with valid reasons. I’ll add night blindness. I can’t see in the dark – might fall down a step not even realizing its there as some on this blog have recently observed.
But seriously, I email it in. Videoing it in for some isn’t a bad idea. I’m hating to think of how long some hearings will last.
As a reminder, this thread is about providing public comment via video, not simply observing a meeting. All meetings should be on NewTV and streamed.
It is my understanding that Waltham has video-ing and streaming of its Council AND Committee meetings! We apparently don’t have the budget to do the same. There are some cold winter nights when I’d much rather watch a meeting on my TV than trudge out to City Hall.
It is my understanding that Waltham has video-ing and streaming of its Council AND Committee meetings! We apparently don’t have the budget to do the same. There are some cold winter nights when I’d much rather watch a meeting on my TV than trudge out to City Hall.
And, eventually, we should be able to call in our live public video responses during the live streaming! When technology really gets there, we should be able to use it! Until then, sending in an e-mail or video link with your opinion could be useful. Who would determine who the 10 callers are? It reminds me of radio shows that say “the first ten callers will receive tickets to…”. When you try to call in, all you get is a busy signal! Very frustrating for people with meaningful arguments. For the time being, I’ll stick to speaking in public or e-mailing my thoughts.
And, eventually, we should be able to call in our live public video responses during the live streaming! When technology really gets there, we should be able to use it! Until then, sending in an e-mail or video link with your opinion could be useful. Who would determine who the 10 callers are? It reminds me of radio shows that say “the first ten callers will receive tickets to…”. When you try to call in, all you get is a busy signal! Very frustrating for people with meaningful arguments. For the time being, I’ll stick to speaking in public or e-mailing my thoughts.