HomeMy WebLinkAboutPete Sampou remote meeting concernTo: My fellow Conservation Commissioners
From: Pete Sampou
RE: Equity issue associated with having only remote participation for our public meetings.
I fully understand the community health reasoning that led the state to hold public meetings only
through a remote option (ZOOM or telephone) during the COVID pandemic. However, I worry that the
remote-only option leaves out the less financially secure or technologically savvy citizens of our town.
As a 25+yr teacher, it is apparent to me that in-person exchange involves crucial non-verbal
communication and a quick give and take interaction that can ensure understanding. It is
disproportionately more difficult for a phone or ZOOM non-professional participant to engage with us
commissioners and the information presented by agents for the applicants before us. Even more
worrisome is the fact that older and/or less fortunate members of our community may not have a
computer to ZOOM in from or are overwhelmed by unfamiliar software and certainly the “phone
option” is very limiting with respect to participating and/or understanding the project before us. I know
my mother today (age 90) and my father 10 years ago would not have been able to manage and
communicate effectively through a remote exchange.
The Sandy Neck Advisory Board has decided to meet in person for the benefit of public input and better
communication between ourselves and Sandy Neck personnel.
There is no longer the health justification for remote-only public meetings and while our State has
suggested this option is more transparent and inclusive, my experience as an educator and conservation
commissioner of 2 decades strongly disagrees. Reasons for continued remote public meetings seems to
focus more on convenience for those involved.
Yes, the remote meeting format is easier for us commissioners, the consultants and lawyers
representing their clients and easily accommodates our seasonal population’s needs but I fear it
represents an equity issue between those that have more (computer experience/financial resources)
and those in our community that have less.
It is our responsibility to allow participation from anyone in our community, remote-only participation
limits many.