Keep budget hearing instructive and civil

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published September 13, 2007

Play nice. Most folks heard, and hopefully heeded, that advice when they were toddlers. Even so, it sometimes bears repeating to adults. Tonight may one of those times.

Expectations are high that a crowd will descend on the Hernando County Government Center this evening as the County Commission holds the first of two required hearings to accept public comments about its budget for fiscal year 2007-08, which begins Oct. 1.

It is good that residents care enough about their government and their money to attend tonight's hearing. Involved residents become informed residents, and that combination always makes for better representative government. It commands responsiveness and accountability from public servants, and it fosters a sense of shared responsibility in the community.

There has been ample opportunity for residents to put in their two cents on this budget, and no one can sincerely argue otherwise.

Several workshops about the budget were held earlier this summer, and it would have been even encouraging to have seen similar interest in those sessions. And if there is anyone who can't make tonight's hearing and still wants to comment or offer a suggestion, there will be a final hearing Sept. 27.

Commission Chairman Jeff Stabins will have his hands full tonight ensuring the meeting runs smoothly and that residents, many of whom may be colorfully direct in expressing their views about property taxes and government spending, all have their say. Stabins must be fair to each speaker, and that includes being firm and not allowing the crowd to shout down or insult those with opposing views.

The people who have actively organized attendance to tonight's hearing also have a responsibility to set an example by being well-mannered and focused in their remarks, and to renounce those who violate the decorum of the proceedings.

All who attend tonight's hearing share an obligation to set a tone for meaningful debate based on verifiable information. One way to further that effort is to start from the premise that everyone in the room has much more in common than they do not.

And never underestimate the benefits of playing nice.

[Last modified September 12, 2007, 20:18:15]