Sussex County Issues
Tips for Presenting at Board of Commissioners’ Meeting
Contributed by Jeanne Apryasz
Speaking at our County Commissioners’ meeting is a significant act of civic participation in our representative democracy. Letting our elected officials know what is important to you helps them understand various points of view among the electorate and guides their decision-making. While the Commissioners’ legislative and administrative roles are limited to local issues, they are influential in that they are a conduit to elected officials at higher levels of government, as well as fellow citizens around the county. When they discuss multifaceted issues with other members of the community and state officials, they can convey your concerns to a broader audience, so sharing your voice DOES make a difference.
Background. The Commissioners are the center of legislative and administrative responsibility in Sussex County, and as such, perform a dual role. As legislators, they draw up and adopt a budget, and in the role of administrators, they are responsible for spending the funds they have appropriated. The Commissioners set policies for the operation of four main departments: Dept. of Central & Shared Services; Dept. of Engineering & Planning; Dept. of Finance & Library Services; and Dept. of Health & Human Services, plus twelve Divisions, and a number of boards, commissions, authorities and committees. Members of the Board of Commissioners also serve on the Boards of School Estimate for the Sussex County Technical School and the Sussex County Community College. Actual day-to-day operation of the Departments is overseen by the County Administrator, who is appointed by, and reports to, the Board of County Commissioners. County Government also addresses such regional issues as Strategic Growth, solid waste disposal, water quality, the maintenance of County roads and bridges, Farmland Preservation and Open Space, and the County Library System.
When to speak. There are two Public Comments sessions at each meeting. The first session is dedicated to issues that are related to agenda items. The second session is open to any topic of interest. You may speak during both sessions. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person (each session).
What to say. Whatever you feel strongly about. Here are some examples of focal points:
- Share a personal story that explains how current events impact you, someone you know, or the community.
- Explain facts that educate the public about a topic that is misunderstood or unknown.
- Make a connection between history and the current situation to illustrate the significance of the moment.
- Read a poem/quote or share artwork/pictures to invoke an emotional response to the issue.
Structure your comments: Provide a logical train of thought with a beginning, middle, and end that outlines not only what you want the Commissioners to understand, but also what you expect them to do about the issue. Use repetition.
- Begin your remarks by stating your purpose for speaking.
- Clearly summarize a few main points about the topic.
- End by clarifying the action you want the Commissioners to take to address your concerns.
Draft your message and practice. Write your comments in advance and practice reading them aloud while timing yourself with a stopwatch. Edit your remarks to be able to finish them without having to rush. You must state your name and hometown before you begin your speech, so include that within the 3 minutes. Share your statement to get feedback.
Be serious. Conduct yourself in a way that is consistent with the seriousness of the issues at hand. Avoid sarcasm, snide remarks, and insults because they detract from our goal of promoting civility. Keep your comments courteous and direct.
Do not expect an immediate response. Commissioners typically do not ask or answer questions during the Public Comments session. You should consider emailing them after the meeting to request a response. You may provide the clerk with a hard copy of your comments and contact information also.
When: 6 p.m. on the second and fourth WEDNESDAY of each month
May 14, 28; June 11, 25; July 9, 23; Aug.13, Sept.10 & 24; Oct. 8, 22; Nov.12, 25; Dec. 10, 17
Where: Sussex County Administrative Center, 1st Floor, One Spring Street, Newton, NJ (Across the street from the Newton Green. Enter through the parking deck elevator on the Trinity Street side.)
THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP AND SPEAKING OUT! YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
