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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Public_Comment_54.191204.msgFrom:Beth Asher To:Jill Ding Subject:12.04.19 Citizen participation in PSE hearings Date:Wednesday, December 04, 2019 9:03:08 PM Hello Jill, I apologize, I believe I had your email incorrectly typed in the first instance. Thanks, Beth Asher Vision Marketing 704 – 228th Ave NE #255 Sammamish, WA 98074 PH: 425-702-8550 basher@vmusa.net From: Beth Asher Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 8:57 PM To: dlaw@rentonwa.gov; jhenning@rentonwa.gov; Ding@rentonwa.gov; cvincent@rentonwa.gov; Council@rentonwa.gov Subject: 12.04.19 Citizen participation in PSE hearings Hello Denis, Jill, Jennifer, Chip and City Council Members, I would like to request an evening time for the Energize Eastside hearing so that persons who work an be in attendance. In order for Renton residents to effectively comment and return findings and input during the hearing it would necessarily need to be held in the evening. Since the purpose of a public hearing is to give residents the opportunity to ask pertinent questions, express views and present evidence in support of those views, holding a hearing during the early morning or working day would have the effect of severely limiting attendance. In effect it would be an overt advantage for members of PSE and their subsidiaries, who, being salaried or paid hourly by the company, will be in paid attendance. The proposed project is a costly and controversial one. By facilitating resident attendance the City Council and hearing examiner can ensure firsthand information will be circulated. Concerned residents, who are definite stakeholders, will have had the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process, and to hear the rationale behind any decision made by the examiner. If Renton is truly interested in increasing the effectiveness of their public involvement efforts, picking an evening time and publicizing it well in advance throughout all media, not just on the city website, would be in order. I think this public hearing could be a useful tool for decision makers and program managers in the city. The level of interest expressed by a large public turnout would certainly be a gauge of its importance to residents of Renton and sister municipalities. Thank you,   Beth Asher Vision Marketing 704 – 228th Ave NE #255 Sammamish, WA 98074 PH: 425-702-8550 basher@vmusa.net