Take Action: Changing Public Comment Procedures in Solano Cities

One unexpected benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic currently gripping the world is the changes in accessibility it has brought when it comes to public meetings. Cities and agencies in Solano County and across the country now allow public participation from the comfort of one’s own home through email or video conferencing. However, with recent social issues also on the minds of Americans, many have seen local government as one way to bring about change.

This can be seen in recent city council meetings in Vallejo and Fairfield, where public comment sections stretch into the hours as a result of a higher level of participation.

The coronavirus pandemic has made it easier for members of the public to have their voices heard, whether it be live on Zoom or through emails read aloud by our city clerks.

However, some cities have begun to take measures to limit the number of public comments that can be received, while others have changed the ways that public comments can be heard.

In the City of Vallejo, the City Council has recently switched to a new method of hearing public comments: silent reading. Instead of the city clerk reading public comments that were sent online, the City has opted to show the public comments onscreen instead, allowing City Council members, staff, and others watching to read the comments.

Because of this, it has become easier to ignore the voices of our fellow residents. No longer must one listen as residents support or condemn actions that will be taken that night. Instead, one can simply stop reading.

In the City of Fairfield, the City Council has stopped taking emailed public comments altogether, preventing those who may want to participate in meetings from doing so.

Solano County residents should not allow their right to participate in public meetings and have their voices heard be taken away from them.

It does not make any sense to limit public participation online when the coronavirus pandemic has only worsened since March. It does not make sense to show public comments onscreen before the comments are whisked away.

It is unjust to limit the ways that the public can participate in public meetings. Those working multiple jobs or the night shift may have no way to participate live during public meetings unless they send an email. Underrepresented demographics, such as our youth, people of color, and lower-income residents now have an additional barrier to their participation in our cities’ governments.

Preserving online participation permanently in the future, whether it be through email or video conferencing, will help to make public meetings accessible for all and will more truly reflect the will of the city’s residents.

Please contact your city councilmembers, city clerk, and city manager asking them to permanently allow public comments to be sent through email and that those comments be read aloud.