This is the kind of public relations governments should not expose themselves to. Governments — large and small — seem prone to forgetting that they are merely representatives of their constituency, the public. How can a governmental body work to limit its own speech?
But that’s exactly what the Arkansas General Assembly has done.
Sponsored by Rep. David Dunn, D-Forrest City, House Bill 1367 broadens an exemption for utility companies that allows the utilities more latitude without requiring public hearings.
A near perfect example is still transpiring in Fayetteville. Southwestern Electric Power Co., with the blessing of the state Public Service Commission, was initially moving forward without filing the certificate that triggers a public hearing. In this instance (the above bill hasn’t been signed into law yet), the commission granted the city “permission to intervene” in the expansion that would replace wooden power poles within the city’s downtown with metal structures 20-55 feet taller. The commission staff, however, believe the public doesn’t need a chance to comment — or hear the details in person, which is often the main purpose of public hearings — on the project.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission, understandably, is for the bill, which was passed by the Senate Monday and forwarded to Gov. Mike Beebe for his signature. But wait, why is the commission in favor of this? And why did our elected representatives agree?
I understand that public hearings, especially about something that may not draw a huge crowd, can be a pain to hold. Public hearings prolong the process, delay “progress,” hold up projects, etc. I’ve been to some similar public hearings, in my former watchdog role. I didn’t really enjoy attending such meetings, either.
Does a hearing really drag out a project when it’s an essential part of government? Government cannot act without consent of the people, albeit sometimes that consent is via representatives. Public comment is an integral part of such projects.
The public should be given the opportunity to be part of the discussion. Period. It’s not a delay or prolongment when it’s essential.
Side note: Such bills make governments look bad. It looks like our senators and representatives have been unduly influenced by lobbyists for the utility companies, who want to push their pet projects through as quickly as possible.
Well-written!
And is it not a bonehead move particularly with respect to Fayetteville, where they are toying with the idea of limiting downtown structures to a three stories. Have the utility companies any sense of aesthetics? I know, I, know, of course they don’t.
Right. The aesthetic considerations are a large part of why, in this instance, the public would WANT to comment and be involved. Such a change might be acceptable along a highway, but through downtown? I bet those public hearings (if they had them!) would be filled with intelligent discourse and not boring in the least.