Polson Council's 'gag rule' is not a good idea

Editor,

What's with the new "Gag Rule" ordinance for Polson city council meetings?

The cry of so many city councils is that citizens are unconcerned, too busy with their private lives, unaware of what is going on in their community and they tend to shun council meetings.

Now we have very important issues pertaining to the future of our community.

Those who are willing and concerned enough to speak out at meetings are going to be muzzled.

There are usually only a handful of citizens who have the courage to speak up at the meetings, and they have the right to express their views fully, as is proper in a democracy. How can a three-minute limit be considered sufficient time for important issues?

Why is it necessary to obtain "special dispensation" to have the three-minute rule suspended for "special purposes?"

Is this the way to encourage and welcome citizens input and participation in city affairs?

If three minutes of speaking time is considered too lengthy, then does the council have the right to change it to one minute, or perhaps 25 written words for their eyes only?

Is this the way Polson citizens want their government run?

Carol Daniels

Polson