I was stunned when I read that Summit County staff are considering eliminating certain requirements for public hearings for workforce housing developments.  

Public hearings are a critical component of our form of government and have deep historical roots in town hall meetings. Public hearings not only allow us to petition our elected representatives but importantly allow others to hear the comments and views expressed to those officials. They are the decision makers, and they need to hear voters’ views in public. 

Equally important, voters need to hear our commissioners’ reactions and opinions in public. This is extremely different from what the staff proposed of instead allowing citizens to contact them for answers to questions a person may have.  

Public hearings must be maintained for all projects in the county.