The Sandwich Method for the Special Meeting

You’ve heard of the sandwich method, at least if you’re a parent. You praise them, offer correction, praise again, sandwiching the bitter between two layers of brioche. So, about the special town council meeting where they discussed what would they prioritize to have built on the two acres next to town hall:

They had a thoughtful discussion about town halls, police stations, medical clinic being paid for, public meeting halls, recreation centers, etc. Tom Dansie stressed no decisions will be realized tomorrow. Mayor Bruno opined their conclusions may well come to fruition under a completely different council. Most gratifying was it to hear how often they referenced comments and suggestions locals had made after the Two-cents, Two-acre event.

Speaking of the two cents event, why in the world did they not follow through with more communication meetings? They said they would. The two cents was great as a first step, but lousy as an only step. Several on the council and staff declared they had never intended to have any more data gathering events after the two cents event. Those of us at that two cents event can testify Tom Dansie said several times there would be more such events. I can only conclude he meant in general when we meant specifically about the two acres.

So, let’s analyze that two cent event. Tom disseminated information, people asked a few questions then walked over to look at town hall, the police station, and the two acres, then returned and chatted amongst themselves and enjoying refreshments. There was never an opportunity to sit with the entire town council and the entire assembly of locals to learn from each other. In fact, the town council members were completely superfluous.

We had no opportunity to ask them anything or them to tell us anything. It was Tom Dansie all the way. He’s great, but he’s not Council. We need dialogue with our leaders, too, not just with staff, regardless of how knowledgable they are. They are accessible; Council should be more so.

When questions are asked in a structured, town hall-style setting, with a microphone and everyone able to hear the questions and answers, so much more can be learned and opinions better informed. Town Council can explain things we may not have considered; residents can ask follow-up questions; and others can contribute information or perspectives that benefit everyone, not just the person standing next to them.

If the Town is going to offer only one kind of public input event, it should be more like a town hall, where genuine dialogue can take place. The Two Cents event, with its friendly mingling and refreshments, has its place. It is not a bad way to gather input. But it is entirely insufficient on its own.

Town Halls are not a plague and should not be avoided like one. Why, why won’t you talk with us?

Nonetheless, I stand by the conviction that our Town Council is dedicated, hard working, and they sincerely believe they are doing what is best for Springdale. (Hopefully, the thickness of this sandwich doesn’t make it too hard to swallow.)