Plainfield Residents Criticize Board of Selectmen’s Comment Restrictions

Plainfield: The Board of Selectmen just put some new rules in place for public comments, and not everyone is happy about it. A lot of residents feel these changes are limiting their ability to speak up.

The new rules, which passed with a 2-1 vote, say that comments can only be about agenda items and are capped at three minutes. Plus, speakers have to give their names, and there can’t be any back-and-forth between the public and the board.

First Selectman Kevin Cunningham and Selectman Arthur Gagne were all for these new rules, while Selectwoman Peggy Bourey was against them. After the meeting, residents voiced their frustrations, especially about the agenda-only rule. They pointed out that the board doesn’t share meeting materials ahead of time, making it hard for them to comment on what’s being discussed.

Cunningham explained that before these rules, there were no guidelines, and some residents would talk for over ten minutes about unrelated issues. He believes that concerns should be directed to his office instead of during the meeting.

Jennie Kapszukiewicz, a local resident and chair of the Agriculture Commission, found the new restrictions troubling. She mentioned that the public comment period is often the only chance for residents to voice their concerns.

At the meeting, Kapszukiewicz asked the board to hold off on voting until the public could review the new rules. Unfortunately, the proposed changes weren’t included in the agenda, so many residents didn’t know what they were voting on until it was read aloud.

Another resident, Samantha Derenthal, who previously ran for state representative, called for more transparency. She pointed out that without all the information, it’s tough for residents to comment meaningfully.

Cunningham defended the board’s decision, saying that meeting materials aren’t public until they’re voted on. He also mentioned that publishing all the documents would require hiring more staff, which he thinks is unnecessary.

Russell Blair from the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission noted that there’s no law requiring towns to publish meeting materials with their agendas. He added that it’s common for boards to set their own rules for public comments.

Bourey, the only selectwoman against the new rules, worried that these restrictions might discourage residents from speaking up. She tried to propose a version of the rules that allowed for some back-and-forth dialogue but was outvoted.

Cunningham said they could always revisit these guidelines in the future if needed.