Another landfill forum set; forms created to help public participate in 109 Board comment process

Former County Commissioner Melody Townsend has also created a citizen feedback form.

She says it’s an unofficial tool that was created to help residents communicate directly with elected officials and 109 Board members.

“Oftentimes, citizens can struggle with knowing what to say to public officials and board members, so this form is designed to be helpful both for citizens providing feedback and for elected officials and board members who want to quickly understand how residents believe the proposed expansion may affect them.”

Townsend said she felt the form was needed following a conversation with a current county commissioner who said they are not hearing from citizens directly about the issue.

Townsend reiterated there has been a great deal of online discussion about the matter, but little direct contact/communication.

Townsend is also encouraging residents to participate in the official 109 Board comment process.

This, she explains, involves reviewing expansion documents and the Solid Waste Management Plan at the Courthouse Annex and submitting comments on the consistency or inconsistency of the proposed expansion with the current Solid Waste Management Plan.

A form is being shared for that as well that is identical to the one available  through the official comment process so citizens can see it and use it if they choose to participate in that official process, Townsend said.

“Ultimately, decisions regarding the expansion will be made by the appropriate boards and elected officials,” Townsend said. “My hope is simply that those decision-makers have the benefit of hearing directly from informed citizens through the public comment process so they can better understand how this proposal may impact the people they represent, because that should be their priority––acting in the best interest of those they have been elected to represent.”

Comments are being accepted through June 28.

“Having served as Montgomery County Commissioner for eight years, I understand that public comments submitted through the proper channels become part of the official record and are far more impactful than conversations on social media or around town,” Townsend said. “My goal is simply to encourage citizens to become informed, review the available information and respectfully communicate their concerns, questions and perspectives directly to the elected officials and boards responsible for making these decisions.”

Townsend’s social media page includes a link to download the forms. In addition, she has included a detailed graphic with contact information for sharing the citizen feedback form with Fiscal Court and 109 Board members. Separate guidance is offered on where to send the form for feedback on the solid waste plan and how to get that form to the solid waste coordinator.

“As a business owner, parent and lifelong member of this community, I believe it is important that decision-makers have a clear understanding of how residents feel about issues that may affect their quality of life, property businesses and future of Montgomery County,” Townsend said.

Some  members of the public have demanded a public referendum. County Attorney Keith Craycraft said previously  it could be put on the ballot, but would be non-binding, meaning the final decision would still rest with the Fiscal Court.