Commissioners should expect a large audience for the session. That includes many people who have said they plan to discuss with their elected representatives what they perceive to be abuses inside city hall. And if the turnout for the session exceeds the available space in the commission room, the mayor and fellow commissioners should adjourn to a larger facility that will accommodate all who care to participate.
Self governance is the right of the governed to participate in the process.
In late October, about 100 people, most on hand to protest the demotion of police Capt. Stan Wojdylak, attempted to participate in the commission's meeting. It was unfortunate dozens were forced to stand in the hallway and have the commission action relayed to them in a manner akin to the telephone game. In the wake of that session, some citizens have requested the commission schedule an evening session to allow more people to participate. City officials and commissioners are cool to the idea, citing such practice in the past didn't result in greater attendance by the public.