(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

That is what was decided at Parkersburg City Council meeting March 11.

Council had already voted to do away with council forum and at the meeting March 11

they voted to do away with “open public forum.” Now citizens can only speak on agenda items.

The major reason to stop the open forum was due to misinformation. The problem is, how do you get the correct information if no one talks? If you have something you want addressed you can call a council person but to get it on the agenda three council members must request it. Only then you can talk about it. You can call a city dept but most of the time you have to leave a message. You can use PKB Connect app but many do not feel comfortable using an app, taking a picture and not actually talking to a person.

I applaud Wendy Tuck, District #4, Zak Huffman, District #5 and Chris Rexroad, District #7 for voting to keep the voice of the citizens of Parkersburg heard. The other six members should consider resigning. They don’t want to take the time “30 minutes” to listen to concerns and problems during a public forum. It it their job to listen and help and explain.

Now “open” public forum is no longer. There is no two-way communication on non agenda items, which will only exacerbate frustration and help fester the problems.

City Council has silenced the people of Parkersburg who elected them.

Cathy Whitlatch

Parkersburg