The Smithfield Times will be taking a different approach to Smithfield Town Council candidate questionnaires this year. Rather than sending a list of questions and publishing all questions and responses in the same print edition and online, the Times will send the candidates a single question once per week.

There will be 12 questions in total, with two weeks and up to 250 words to respond to each, through Oct. 23. For the fourth week, we asked, “What, if anything, can the Town Council do to be more transparent with citizens?”

• Third week, Aug. 21: Should Smithfield move its farmers market to the Grange at 10Main? Why or why not?
• Second week, Aug. 14: What is one challenge or opportunity for the town that has not received enough attention? Why is it important?
• First week, Aug. 7: What will be your top priority if elected?

 

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Mary Ellen Bebermeyer

The Town Council can be more transparent with citizens by being more visible and engaged with residents. Council members should have public discussions at committee and council meetings before voting on issues so residents can see how decisions are reached. The perception is that decisions are made without evaluating or addressing public concerns. The Mallory Scott and Grange votes are classic examples of our council completely ignoring and dismissing citizen’s concerns.

During both Mallory Scott and The Grange approval processes, dozens of citizens spoke in opposition to the scope and density of each of the high-density housing developments, yet the council approved both with multiple Special Use permits, waivers and zoning changes, and with limited public interaction. In the Grange situation, the council was even short by 2 members and the vote was pushed through 3-2. 

Actions like that do not foster trust or transparency but rather give the perception that the vote was decided before the meeting. The Council should have explained why a change from our Comprehensive Plan was warranted and why the special use permits and waivers were in the best interest of the town.

Citizens deserve to have more engagement with the Town Council and more questions answered long before a vote is held.

Regular 30-minute public forums, perhaps during council committee meetings, will provide opportunities for question-and-answer sessions between citizens and Town Council members; especially when they are considering such town-altering high-density developments.

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Jim Collins

The word transparency often stirs up challenges regarding the decision-making process of secrecy or underhandedness through private meetings.  However, the rules are clear that if more than two members of Council meet, there must be proper notification to the public. So, a meeting outside the public eye is not acceptable and I understand it to be illegal.  Such non-transparent meetings are not occurring. 

One way to promote and increase transparency or understanding is through personal involvement.  I believe that if a citizen is involved in the public decision-making process, knowledge is increased, and therefore the final decision is better appreciated.  I think the online archives and live streaming of meetings are great tools for those who can’t attend.  I would welcome other ideas that could further expand those tools.

I would like to find a way to meet in public with more than two Council members and in a more informal atmosphere where all the rules of decorum are respected, therefore providing an opportunity to increase involvement.  I have participated in several Town Hall style gatherings with very few citizens attending.  However, the back-and-forth style discussion with those present has been outstanding and quite educational to hear varying viewpoints.  I think we need to find a way to do more of those type of discussion forums to better understand all sides of any issue involving our Town.

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Darren Cutler

SO MANY WAYS TO LEAD TRANSPARENTLY!  Examples that could have enlightened untransparent dealings such as Mallory Scott, The Grange, renaming WCP trails, and secretive activities/travel:

• Provide minutes/synopsis of closed sessions.  I understand the necessity to allow open discussion, it is a closed meeting not a secret meeting.   Council members are servants of the citizens – avoid perceptions of secrecy.
• Allow taxpayers to ask questions, not just make comments.  At meetings citizens have unanswered questions – some feel they are in a decision-making vacuum and question if town interests are represented.
• Provide routine, regular, alternative forums for citizens to communicate with the Council in a less imposing environment.  An accessible Council is possible in our wonderful small-town government.  This could be as simple as a monthly coffee with a Council person.
• Provide an online comment/question submission avenue for residents who cannot make it to Council meetings, and answer when relevant.  Questions abound and not everyone has the courage of Council members, or time/opportunity to come before a public session and voice their thoughts.  Consider that citizens are human in that regard.
• Do not lecture citizens about decisions made that appear unpopular, rather offer justification so they feel heard.  Hard/unpopular decisions must be made – provide rationalization in a way that helps the people understand.
• Virtuous deeds can have negative perceptions – do not go on secret trips, withhold information despite town meetings being held, label public communications a leak, or use castigating language following simple questions/concerns – STRIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY!

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Raynard Gibbs

I believe the current Town Council understands that to be effective, we need to be open and transparent with our citizens. But what’s the best way to go about this? How can we create a culture of transparency and openness while fostering good visibility into our strategic outcomes?  I believe that the key drivers rest in the following:  Promoting accountability, building trust through education, and fostering a culture of openness.

1. Promote accountability

Clearly define and publish performance metrics and benchmarks. Help citizens understand how their leaders are meeting established goals. Regularly review and discuss these findings with the public to demonstrate accountability and commitment to improvement.

2. Build Trust Through Education

Provide resources that educate citizens about how local government functions, including the budget processes, decision-making procedures, and the roles of various officials.  This transparency builds trust and confidence in the local government, making citizens feel more informed and involved.

3. Foster a culture of transparency

We should model transparency by openly sharing information and being available for discussions with citizens. Ensuring that everyone in the organization understands and values transparency can enhance overall public trust, making citizens feel included and valued in the decision-making process.

Focusing on these strategies, will lead to greater trust and satisfaction among our citizens. The key is to continuously adapt and improve these drivers and communication practices to meet the evolving needs and expectations of the community.

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William Harris

Many believe our town leadership does not exercise complete transparency. There is no denying that in the recent past, a number of major decisions were made behind closed doors. Consequently, it is necessary for this town council to conduct all business in the most transparent manner possible.

Recent changes to the town’s communications platforms have done much to improve transparency. At the urgings of councilmen Smith and Brooks, we now have live streaming of all our government meetings. Our town webpage has been improved significantly and contains a wealth of information. Even so, there are things council can do to increase transparency now. At meetings, all members should engage in open and collegial discussions that expand citizen understanding as to what and how decisions are made. Council should make every effort to acknowledge and respond to all issues raised during public comments at every meeting. Currently, after the mayor asks for comments from council, most of council is silent. And then votes are cast. This lack of open discussion suggests to some that decisions already have been reached outside of the public eye and with no regard for public input. Members of council must be more comprehensive in explanation so citizens can walk away with a better understanding, and a higher trust in their government. It also would be helpful if council participated in occasional public Q&A. Such events would both personalize the experience for all involved and go a long way to guaranteeing transparency.      

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Michael G. Smith

When I was first elected to serve on Town Council 12 years ago, it didn’t cross my mind that I should be on alert to ensure transparency in our government processes.  Being reared in Smithfield, it was widely understood that it was Town Council’s responsibility to not only listen to citizens but to actively engage with them in order for the Council to make the best decisions for all.  The citizens ARE our community – they are our teachers, neighbors, police officers, church leaders, volunteers.  Smithfield was a town of 3500 people when I was growing up and we are quickly approaching 10,000 citizens, and some of the small-town trust that I enjoyed has slipped away.   After serving the last few years on Town Council, I’ve come to realize that, at this point, Town Council needs to work to restore citizen trust and faith in our decision making.  We need to listen to their concerns and not minimize them.  We need to demonstrate that we hear their concerns – about growth, traffic, services – and not minimize their concerns.  Committee meetings should be a place where we welcome citizen input and real discussion between Council members on critical topics.  Our processes and discussions, whether in choosing citizens to serve on Town Boards, or determining priorities and decision making on the budget, should be open and communicated to all well in advance.