According to a highly-respected local journalist (James Rowen), the government sessions conducted by state and local officials are designed to stifle citizen input and deter open discussion of the issues involved.  In short, they are "democracy killers."

In a February 4, 2010 posting on his "The Political Environment" blogsite (see the PDF link below), Mr. Rowen lists several examples of these anti-democratic government sessions including those involving transportation projects and diversion of water resources.  If upheld during the appeals process, our recent federal lawsuit victory will restore the "voice of the people" at all future public hearings involving major road projects.  Success in our case here will give federal, state and local officials a strong incentive to offer real "town hall" type public hearings in all settings where our tax dollars are being spent.

2-4-10-the-political-environment-government-sessions-here-are-democracy-killers.pdf