Zoppo stands by scripted meetings

Story in today's Bristol Press

City Councilor Ellen Zoppo also sent me a more detailed statement after the paper went to press last night. Here it is:

If people take the time to read them as posted, they would realize they are more of a combination expanded agenda and talking points and not a script where people had lines.
Neither the mayor nor the Council were told by me what to say, as the term script would imply....that word is the part that I think people are reacting to. People were not scripted, they were simply given the outline of how I was going to chair the meeting and what order was going to be used including when we would hear from the public, when they would have the opportunity to comment, and then a second round for any additional thoughts or closing remarks for them to go on the record as to how they were going to vote and why, which I thought was important for the public. It leaves more questions that it answers when people just vote yes or no without stating on the record why.
I don't think it hindered "open government,"I think it enhances the quality of the dialogue concerning important issues that have many pieces. There are few occasions where an important point is "forgotten" when these types of expanded agendas or outlines are used.
I have used this tool for years for various events and meetings, starting back in Hartford when I worked for the MetroHartford Chamber of Commerce and continue the practice today in New Britain. In some form or another, I use it for meetings I chair when there is going to be lengthly debate or many issues to be considered.