Authored By Joda Thongnopnua

City Council plays an important part in the governance of our city. As a legislative (and quasi-judicial) body they should be working with the citizenry to address their concerns and build toward a collective vision of our ideal Chattanooga. Department directors and public officials should be accessible during City Council, as they play a vital role in addressing the specific concerns of the public.

It is unfortunate, then, at last week’s City Council meeting, that nearly every department head and public official (aside from the council themselves) left the room when it came time for public comment. It’s deeply troubling to me that those given the responsibility of running important aspects of our city think so little of the people they serve that they are not even willing to listen to their concerns or comments.

Of course, this probably wasn’t an intentional or malicious snub of those specific people who addressed the council. Rather, it was another example of a growing culture within our local government (and within this administration) that subconsciously disregards the opinions of those not well-connected, a culture that is slowly dismantling the role of the citizen. Whether it’s an offhand comment about City Council committee sessions not being “public meetings,” inaccessible public officials or a mass exodus during public comment, we can’t afford to let this trend go unnoticed.

This isn’t meant to be public shaming aimed at those who walked out or another angry article that people are supposed to read and dismiss. We need to recognize the challenges that exist within our government and within our city. The citizen needs to be at the center of our democratic and legislative process. In addition to the short time for public comment allowed each week, the city should regularly hold public forums that the general public is invited to participate in and voice their concerns, a process that often takes longer than three minutes.

At the end of the day, we need our public servants to recognize the value of the people and their voice. At the very least, they can stay and listen.

Joda Thongnopnua

Chattanooga, Tenn.