By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — The voice of the people may be facing restrictions at future Borough Council meetings.
On Feb. 21, the council tabled Resolution 2012-83, which called for the implementation of a three-minute time limit per individual who opts to address the Borough Council during a public comment session.
Prior to the resolution being tabled, Council President Larry Quattrone suggested restricting the first public comment session to borough matters.
Councilwoman Gail Doran spoke in opposition of restricting public discourse.
"When you impose that limit you stifle potential public comment. And sometimes there is more than one issue that people need to comment on,” Councilwoman Doran said. “I think it’s inappropriate.”
Councilwoman Selena Bibens suggested that the time restriction would be adjustable. “We as a council have the right to extend it,” Ms. Bibens said of the proposed three-minute time restriction.
Councilwoman Doran countered, “How do you do that fairly?”
Further, Councilwoman Lynne Woods suggested that a speaker could request more time.
Councilwoman Bibens emphasized that members of the public can send a majority of their concerns to the council by way of e-mail.
"Do I get a minute?” Councilman Robert Thibault asked. “I’m paying the bills as a taxpayer . . . Why limit (public discourse) to three minutes?”
To date, there are two public comment sessions held at the Borough Council meetings sans any formal time restrictions. The first public comment session is held near the beginning of a meeting. A second session takes place prior to the elected officials’ closing statements.
At the Feb. 21 council meeting, the last public comment session took place after approximatley10 p.m.
Said Councilman Thibault, “My view is, I’ll stay here until 1 a.m. if someone has something to say.”

