Last Night's Forum
Bill Logue
Dear TSC and AGS members,
There was an excellent turnout at the forum last night with almost 100 people. It was tight space-wise but our smallest venue. Participants were from all across the spectrum and the views expressed reflected the many sides of the issues we have heard during the process.
Commissioner Sullivan welcomed the crowd and Lisa did a great job providing an overview of the recommendations, highlighting where there are different perspectives and asking people to give their feedback on those issues in particular. We had a brief Q&A with very good questions raised from the public. The friends groups objected to the format with small groups. They were invited to attend the additional session in Amherst where people can sign up and speak to the assembled audience. Despite the tight space the small groups engaged in a lively discussion where everyone had an opportunity to participate and I think all did. TSC members listened in to the groups and clarified points. The notes are being compiled now.
Take care,
Bill
Bill Logue
Jane,
Some of those who objected to the format at the outset took time from the small groups as they continued to object and not allow others to engage in discussion. This was maybe a dozen of the folks who attended. Other people in those groups expressed frustration with us about that behavior. For those who want the full audience format they can attend the session in Amherst and have their needs met there. I would hope they would allow others to engage in the format of their choice at the forums we have planned.
Bill
From:
forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com] On
Behalf Of Jane Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 2:16 PM
To: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Last Night's Forum
I heard that there was an excellent turn out, but that the circle format did not work well at all.
Jane
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Bill Logue
Cathy,
Thanks for your opinion. If we had followed the full audience format last night maybe 30 would have had an opportunity to speak. In the format we hosted everyone (close to 100 people) who was there participated. In fact, one participant in a small group turned to someone who was delaying things by objecting in the format and said “I drove two hours to be here, to be part of this discussion and you are wasting our time by arguing about the format.” We are providing multiple ways to participate, mail, email, survey and two forum formats.
If we can get to more people at the second forum in Amherst we will.
Bill
From:
forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com] On
Behalf Of Cathy Kristofferson
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 2:36 PM
To: forest-futures-advisor...@googlegroups.com
Cc: forest-futures-techni...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Last Night's Forum
Well, honestly only 35 people statewide will be allowed to speak to a full audience since your notification email said: "The first 35 citizens to sign-up will be allotted two minutes to present their feedback...". Personally, I received "They don't make it easy to participate, do they?" unsolicited from a constituent. I can't see anyone who lives any distance from Amherst trucking out to that forum to try for one of those 35 slots. It must be easier to get Red Sox tickets...