Residents successfully petitioned to keep avenues of participation open with local governments. Recently Houghton county’s board of commissioners on Tuesday approved moving regular meetings to 6 pm in the circuit court room. And Wednesday at Houghton city council, members decided to encourage participation over zoom rather than discontinuing the avenue.
this is for everybody. Because how many people here know that they’ll actually attend these regular monthly meetings if it was in a bigger location? Especially people who’ve been stacked in the hallway right here. I mean, it’s claustrophobic. And I know we can usually attend the Zoom calls, but I’m old fashioned, I’m old school. I’d much rather be here a person to address the public and petition our commission. – Dan Holcomb, Chairman, Copper Country Republican Party
It’s much more than convenient. It’s about transparency, accessibility, public trust. Virtual access removes real barriers for many residents, parents with tight schedules, whether those with mobility or transportation challenges, or citizens who are simply away. Without Zoom, these individuals are effectively shut out from participating in the decisions that truly shape our community. Other similarly sized municipalities have faced these various end debates and overwhelmingly chose to preserve virtual access after hearing from communities – Adam Johnson, Resident, Houghton
Houghton county will begin holding regular commission meetings at 6 pm in the circuit court room starting in October. The city of Houghton has begun linking the council meeting zoom link to the front webpage prior to meetings on the city’s website. Allowing the public to freely petition government leaders is essential to the function of communities.
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